Modeling of drug release from delivery systems based on hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC)

Nanogel-electrospinning for controlling the release of water-soluble drugs

Application of electrospun fibers for the purpose of loading and controlled release of water-soluble drugs remains a challenge due to their low carrying effect as well as quick and unstable drug release. In this study, we have developed a novel nanogel-electrospinning technology through which more stable loading and prolonged release of water-soluble drugs was achieved. In brief, nanogel particles synthesized from a chloroquine (CQ)-loaded bovine serum albumin (BSA) solution were prepared and then combined with genipin, a crosslinking agent. The nanogel solution was then crosslinked to prepare an electrospinning solution with an inner mesh structure. Finally, the microfibrous membranes were fabricated by electrospinning the solution. Uniform BSA nanogel particles were wrapped in the fiber membrane and the number of particles increased with the increase of BSA and genipin concentrations. In addition to being loaded within the BSA nanogel particles, CQ was distributed in the fibers as well, which could be clearly identified using ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis). The physical, chemical, and mechanical properties of nanogel-electrospun microfibers were similar to those of microfibers formed through a conventional electrospinning approach. The drug release tests indicated that with the same number of BSA nanogel particles, increased CQ loading resulted in increased initial release of the same. The duration of a single drug release cycle lasted up to 40 days. In conclusion, findings from this study have indicated that nanogel-electrospinning is a convenient and effective technology to achieve controlled long-term release of water-soluble drugs.

Ultra-small lipid-dendrimer hybrid nanoparticles as a promising strategy for antibiotic delivery: In vitro and in silico studies

The purpose of this study was to explore the preparation of a new lipid-dendrimer hybrid nanoparticle (LDHN) system to effectively deliver vancomycin against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections. Spherical LDHNs with particle size, polydispersity index and zeta potential of 52.21±0.22 nm, 0.105±0.01, and -14.2±1.49 mV respectively were prepared by hot stirring and ultrasonication using Compritol 888 ATO, G4 PAMAM- succinamic acid dendrimer, and Kolliphor RH-40. Vancomycin encapsulation efficiency (%) in LDHNs was almost 4.5-fold greater than in lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles formulated using Eudragit RS 100. Differential scanning calorimetry and Fourier transform-infrared studies confirmed the formation of LDHNs. The interactions between the drug-dendrimer complex and lipid molecules using in silico modeling revealed the molecular mechanism behind the enhanced encapsulation and stability. Vancomycin was released from LDHNs over the period of 72 h with zero order kinetics and super case II transport mechanism. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against S. aureus and MRSA were 15.62 μg/ml and 7.81 μg/ml respectively. Formulation showed sustained activity with MIC of 62.5 μg/ml against S. aureus and 500 μg/ml against MRSA at the end of 72 and 54 h period respectively. The results suggest that the LDHN system can be an effective strategy to combat resistant infections.

Liposome-Cross-Linked Hybrid Hydrogels for Glutathione-Triggered Delivery of Multiple Cargo Molecules

Novel, liposome-cross-linked hybrid hydrogels cross-linked by the Michael-type addition of thiols with maleimides were prepared via the use of maleimide-functionalized liposome cross-linkers and thiolated polyethylene glycol (PEG) polymers. Gelation of the materials was confirmed by oscillatory rheology experiments. These hybrid hydrogels are rendered degradable upon exposure to thiol-containing molecules such as glutathione (GSH), via the incorporation of selected thioether succinimide cross-links between the PEG polymers and liposome nanoparticles. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) characterization confirmed that intact liposomes were released upon network degradation. Owing to the hierarchical structure of the network, multiple cargo molecules relevant for chemotherapies, namely doxorubicin (DOX) and cytochrome c, were encapsulated and simultaneously released from the hybrid hydrogels, with differential release profiles that were driven by degradation-mediated release and Fickian diffusion, respectively. This work introduces a facile approach for the development of advanced, hybrid drug delivery vehicles that exhibit novel chemical degradation.

Effect of hydrophobic inclusions on polymer swelling kinetics studied by magnetic resonance imaging

The rate of drug release from polymer matrix-based sustained release formulations is often controlled by the thickness of a gel layer that forms upon contact with dissolution medium. The effect of formulation parameters on the kinetics of elementary rate processes that contribute to gel layer formation, such as water ingress, polymer swelling and erosion, is therefore of interest. In the present work, gel layer formation has been investigated by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which is a non-destructive method allowing direct visualization of effective water concentration inside the tablet and its surrounding. Using formulations with Levetiracetam as the active ingredient, HPMC as a hydrophilic matrix former and carnauba wax (CW) as a hydrophobic component in the matrix system, the effect of different ratios of these two ingredients on the kinetics of gel formation (MRI) and drug release (USP 4 like dissolution test) has been investigated and interpreted using a mathematical model.

Poloxamer 407-based intranasal thermoreversible gel of zolmitriptan-loaded nanoethosomes: formulation, optimization, evaluation and permeation studies

Zolmitriptan is the drug of choice for migraine, but low oral bioavailability (<50%) and recurrence of migraine lead to frequent dosing and increase in associated side effects. Increase in the residence time of drug at the site of drug absorption along with direct nose to brain targeting of zolmitriptan can be a solution to the existing problems. Hence, in the present investigation, thermoreversible intranasal gel of zolmitriptan-loaded nanoethosomes was formulated by using mucoadhesive polymers to increase the residence of the drug into the nasal cavity. The preparation of ethosomes was optimized by using 3(2) factorial design for percent drug entrapment efficiency, vesicle size, zeta potential, and polydispersity index. Optimized formulation E6 showed the vesicle size (171.67 nm) and entrapment efficiency (66%) when compared with the other formulations. Thermoreversible gels prepared by using poloxamer 407 showed the phase transition temperature at 32-33 °C which was in line with the nasal physiological temperature. The optimized ethosomes were loaded into the thermoreversible mucoadhesive gel optimized by varying concentrations of poloxamer 407, carbopol 934, HPMC K100, and evaluated for gel strength, gelation temperature, mucoadhesive strength, in vitro drug release, and ex vivo drug permeation, where G3 and G6 were found to be optimized formulations. In vitro drug release was studied by different kinetic models suggested that G3 (n = 0.582) and G6 (n = 0.648) showed Korsemeyer-Peppas (KKP) model indicating non-Fickian release profiles. A permeation coefficient of 5.92 and 5.9 µg/cm(2) for G3 and G6, respectively, revealed very little difference in release rate after 24 h between both the formulations. Non-toxic nature of the gels on columnar epithelial cells was confirmed by histopathological evaluation.

Temperature-responsive hydroxypropylcellulose based thermochromic material and its smart window application

Thermochromic materials are the most cost effective smart window materials and the organic hydrogel material has large solar modulating ability (ΔT_sol) and the luminous transmittance (T_lum) compared with inorganic VO₂based materials.

Amphiphilic hydroxyalkyl cellulose derivatives for amorphous solid dispersion prepared by olefin cross-metathesis

Olefin CM followed by transfer hydrogenation is an efficient method for synthesizing amphiphilic hydroxypropyl cellulose derivatives.

PDEAEMA-based pH-sensitive amphiphilic pentablock copolymers for controlled anticancer drug delivery

The synthesis of a series of PDEAEMA-based pH-sensitive amphiphilic pentablock copolymers PEG-b-(PDEAEMA-b-PMMA)₂ with different compositions proceeded via the combination of a bromination reaction andARGET ATRP.

pH/temperature-sensitive hydrogel-based molecularly imprinted polymers (hydroMIPs) for drug delivery by frontal polymerization

Frontal polymerization was successfully utilized, for the first time, to obtain pH/temperature-sensitive hydrogel-based molecularly imprinted polymers (hydroMIPs).

One-pot synthesis and loading of mesoporous SiO2 nanocontainers using micellar drugs as a template

A new approach is proposed for creating of pH-sensitive mesoporous silica nanocontainers with ultrahigh capacity for amphiphilic functional compounds.

Development of a mechanism and an accurate and simple mathematical model for the description of drug release: Application to a relevant example of acetazolamide-controlled release from a bio-inspired elastin-based hydrogel

Transversality between mathematical modeling, pharmacology, and materials science is essential in order to achieve controlled-release systems with advanced properties. In this regard, the area of biomaterials provides a platform for the development of depots that are able to achieve controlled release of a drug, whereas pharmacology strives to find new therapeutic molecules and mathematical models have a connecting function, providing a rational understanding by modeling the parameters that influence the release observed. Herein we present a mechanism which, based on reasonable assumptions, explains the experimental data obtained very well. In addition, we have developed a simple and accurate “lumped” kinetics model to correctly fit the experimentally observed drug-release behavior. This lumped model allows us to have simple analytic solutions for the mass and rate of drug release as a function of time without limitations of time or mass of drug released, which represents an important step-forward in the area of in vitro drug delivery when compared to the current state of the art in mathematical modeling. As an example, we applied the mechanism and model to the release data for acetazolamide from a recombinant polymer. Both materials were selected because of a need to develop a suitable ophthalmic formulation for the treatment of glaucoma. The in vitro release model proposed herein provides a valuable predictive tool for ensuring product performance and batch-to-batch reproducibility, thus paving the way for the development of further pharmaceutical devices.

New acrylate terpolymer-based nanoparticles for the release of nucleic acid: a preliminary study

PURPOSE

Nano-drug delivery systems based on polymeric biomaterials have received considerable interest as drug delivery vehicles. In this work, radical polymerization was carried out in order to obtain nanoparticles based on a new acrylate terpolymer (PBMA-(PEG)MEMA-PDMAEMA).

METHODS

Nanoparticles were developed in the form both of nanospheres and nanocapsules, an innovative kind of hollow nanoparticles with a great potential because of their low effective density and high specific surface area. The ability of the nanoparticles to load and then release a nucleic acid (DNA) to be used in cancer treatment was also investigated.

RESULTS

Scanning electron microscopy analysis showed a spherical shape, nanometric dimensions, and a homogeneous distribution of the nanoparticles, also confirmed by dynamic light scattering measurements. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy chemical imaging analysis carried out on the nanocapsules before and after removal of the core demonstrated the presence of the cavity. High-performance liquid chromatography analysis confirmed good encapsulation efficiency of DNA both for nanospheres and nanocapsules. Drug release tests showed controlled release kinetics for both the systems with a high release of DNA in the first hours. In vitro MTT assay showed that the particles do not have cytotoxic effects on the cells.

CONCLUSIONS

The preliminary investigation showed that the terpolymer-based nanoparticles developed in this study could be good candidates to be used as innovative and versatile gene delivery systems.

Effect of Span 60 on the Microstructure, Crystallization Kinetics, and Mechanical Properties of Stearic Acid Oleogels: An In-Depth Analysis

Modulation of crystallization of stearic acid and its derivatives is important for tuning the properties of stearate oleogels. The present study delineates the crystallization of stearic acid in stearate oleogels in the presence of Span 60. Microarchitecture analysis revealed that stearic acid crystals in the oleogels changed its shape from plate-like structure to a branched architecture in the presence of Span 60. Consequently, a significant variation in the mobility of the solute molecules inside the oleogel (Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching studies, FRAP analysis) was observed. Thermal analysis (gelation kinetics and DSC) revealed shortening of nucleation induction time and secondary crystallization with an increase in the Span 60 concentration. Furthermore, isosolid diagram suggested better physical stability of the formulations at higher proportions of Span 60. XRD analysis indicated that there was a decrease in the crystal size and the crystallinity of the stearic acid crystals with an increase in Span 60 concentration in the Span 60 containing oleogels. However, crystal growth orientation was unidirectional and found unaltered with Span 60 concentration (Avarmi analysis using DSC data). The mechanical study indicated a composition-dependent variation in the viscoelastic properties (instantaneous [τ1 ], intermediate [τ2 ], and delayed [τ3 ] relaxation times) of the formulations. In conclusion, Span 60 can be used to alter the kinetics of the crystallization, crystal habit and crystal structure of stearic acid. This study provides a number of clues that could be used further for developing oleogel based formulation.

Fish collagen-based scaffold containing PLGA microspheres for controlled growth factor delivery in skin tissue engineering

To design a scaffold controlled release system for skin tissue engineering, fish collagen/chitosan/chondroitin sulfate scaffolds were fabricated by freeze-drying and incorporated with bFGF-loaded PLGA microspheres (MPs). SEM showed that the scaffolds exhibited an interconnected porous structure, and the spherical MPs were uniformly distributed into the scaffolds. The higher swelling and degradation rate of scaffolds/MPs could lead to a higher diffusion rate of MPs from the scaffolds, causing an increase in the protein release. The release rate of proteins could be adjusted by the size of MPs and the ratio of collagen to chitosan of scaffolds. Circular dichroism spectroscopy and MTT of bFGF after release indicated that the released bFGF retained its structural integrity and bioactivity during preparation. Cell proliferation and in vivo evaluation results suggested that the scaffolds/MPs had a good biocompatibility and an ability to promote fibroblast cell proliferation and skin tissue regeneration. These results demonstrated that this scaffold/MP controlled release system has the potential for skin tissue engineering.

Solid lipid nanoparticles of clotrimazole silver complex: An efficient nano antibacterial against Staphylococcus aureus and MRSA

New and effective strategies to transform current antimicrobials are required to address the increasing issue of microbial resistance and declining introduction of new antibiotic drugs. In this context, metal complexes of known drugs and nano delivery systems for antibiotics are proving to be promising strategies. The aim of the study was therefore to synthesize a silver complex of clotrimazole and formulate it into a nano delivery system for enhanced and sustained antibacterial activity against susceptible and resistant Staphylococcus aureus. A silver complex of clotrimazole was synthesized, characterized and further encapsulated into solid lipid nanoparticles to evaluate its antibacterial activity against S. aureus and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). An in vitro cytotoxicity study was performed on HepG2 cell lines to assess the overall biosafety of the synthesized clotrimazole silver complex to mammalian cells, and was found to be non-toxic to mammalian cells (cell viability >80%). The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of clotrimazole and clotrimazole-silver were 31.25 and 9.76 μg/mL against S. aureus, and 31.25 and 15.62 against MRSA, respectively. Clotrimazole SLNs exhibited MIC values of 104 and 208 μg/mL against both MSSA and MRSA at the end of 18 and 36 h, respectively, but thereafter completely lost its antibacterial activity. Clotrimazole-silver SLNs had an MIC value of 52 μg/mL up to 54 h, after which the MIC value was 104 μg/mL against both strains at the end of 72 h. Thus, clotrimazole-silver SLNs was found to be an efficient nanoantibiotic.

A (polyvinyl caprolactam-polyvinyl acetate-polyethylene glycol graft copolymer)-dispersed sustained-release tablet for imperialine to simultaneously prolong the drug release and improve the oral bioavailability

Imperialine, extracted from Bulbus Fritillariae Cirrhosae, is an efficient antitussive and expectorant medicine. However, its short half-life and stomach degradation limited imperialine from further clinical use. The current study was conducted to develop a sustained-release tablet for imperialine both to prolong absorption time and to improve the oral bioavailability of the drug. The tablets were prepared by a direct compression method formulated on optimized solid dispersion (SD) for imperialine based on polyvinyl caprolactam-polyvinyl acetate-polyethylene glycol graft copolymer (Soluplus(®)) with imperialine/Soluplus(®) ratio of 1:8 (w/w). In order to obtain the optimized formulation, factors that affected the drug release were investigated by in vitro dissolution studies in the media of pH1.2, 5.8, 7.0 and 7.4. Powder X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope confirmed that the imperialine in SD was amorphous instead of crystalline, and still stayed amorphous even after the direct compression. And besides, pharmacokinetic study in Beagle dogs was performed to inspect the in vivo sustained release. Plasma concentration-time curves and pharmacokinetic parameters were gained. As a result, the Cmax of imperialine was one-fold reduced and Tmax was two-fold prolonged, and the mean AUC0-24 was expressed as 89.581±21.243μgh/L, which showed that the oral bioavailability of imperialine was 2.46-fold improved. Moreover, the in vitro-in vivo correlation was recommended to carry out, demonstrating the percentages of drug release in vitro were well-correlated with the absorptive fraction in vivo with the correlation coefficients above 0.9900. By mathematically modeling and moment imaging of the drug release, Peppas equation was selected as the most fitted model for the sustained-release tablets with the diffusional coefficient in the range of 0.59-0.62, indicating the release of imperialine from the sustained-release tablets was an anomalous process involving polymer swelling, drug diffusion and matrix erosion.

A menthol-based solid dispersion technique for enhanced solubility and dissolution of sulfamethoxazole from an oral tablet matrix

A menthol-based solid dispersion was designed to improve the intrinsic solubility of the poorly soluble sulfamethoxazole- a class II drug molecule of Biopharmaceutics Classification System (BCS) displaying widespread antibacterial activity. Solid dispersions of menthol and sulfamethoxazole were compressed with hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) into suitable sulfamethoxazole-loaded matrix tablets for oral drug delivery. The sulfamethoxazole-loaded solid dispersions and compressed tablets were characterized for their physicochemical and physicomechanical properties such as changes in crystallinity, melting point, molecular transitions, and textural analysis for critical analysis of their effects on the solubility and dissolution of sulfamethoxazole. The formulations were further evaluated for swelling, degradation, solubility, and in vitro drug release behavior. In vitro drug release from the sulfamethoxazole-loaded matrix tablets displayed a minimum and maximum fractional release of 0.714 and 0.970, respectively. The tablets further displayed different release rate profiles over the study periods of 12, 16, 48, and 56 h which were attributed to the varying concentrations of menthol within each formulation. Menthol was determined as a suitable hydrophilic carrier for sulfamethoxazole since it functioned as a solubilizing and release-retarding agent for improving the solubility and dissolution of sulfamethoxazole as well as controlling the rate at which it was released.

Preparation of chitosan/nano hydroxyapatite organic-inorganic hybrid microspheres for bone repair

In this work, we encapsulated icariin (ICA) into chitosan (CS)/nano hydroxyapatite (nHAP) composite microspheres to form organic-inorganic hybrid microspheres for drug delivery carrier. The composition and morphology of composite microspheres were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and differential scanning calorimetry- thermogravimetric analysis (DSC-TGA). Moreover, we further studied the performance of swelling properties, degradation properties and drug release behavior of the microspheres. ICA, the extract of traditional Chinese medicine-epimedium, was combined to study drug release properties of the microspheres. ICA loaded microspheres take on a sustained release behavior, which can be not only ascribed to electrostatic interaction between reactive negative hydroxyl (OH) of ICA and positive amine groups (NH₂) of CS, but also depended on the homogeneous dispersion of HAP nanoparticles inside CS organic matrix. In addition, the adhesion and morphology of osteoblasts were detected by inverted fluorescence microscopy. The biocompatibility of CS/nHAP/ICA microspheres was evaluated by the MTT cytotoxicity assay, Hoechst 33258 and PI fluorescence staining. These studies demonstrate that composite microspheres provide a suitable microenvironment for osteoblast attachment and proliferation. It can be speculated that the ICA loaded CS-based organic-inorganic hybrid microspheres might have potential applications in drug delivery systems.

Release kinetics of paclitaxel and cisplatin from two and three layered gold nanoparticles

Gold nanoparticles functionalized with biologically compatible layers may achieve stable drug release while avoiding adverse effects in cancer treatment. We study cisplatin and paclitaxel release from gold cores functionalized with hexadecanethiol (TL) and phosphatidylcholine (PC) to form two-layer nanoparticles, or TL, PC, and high density lipoprotein (HDL) to form three-layer nanoparticles. Drug release was monitored for 14 days to assess long term effects of the core surface modifications on release kinetics. Release profiles were fitted to previously developed kinetic models to differentiate possible release mechanisms. The hydrophilic drug (cisplatin) showed an initial (5-h) burst, followed by a steady release over 14 days. The hydrophobic drug (paclitaxel) showed a steady release over the same time period. Two layer nanoparticles released 64.0±2.5% of cisplatin and 22.3±1.5% of paclitaxel, while three layer nanoparticles released the entire encapsulated drug. The Korsmeyer-Peppas model best described each release scenario, while the simplified Higuchi model also adequately described paclitaxel release from the two layer formulation. We conclude that functionalization of gold nanoparticles with a combination of TL and PC may help to modulate both hydrophilic and hydrophobic drug release kinetics, while the addition of HDL may enhance long term release of hydrophobic drug.

Bilayer matrix tablets for prolonged actions of metformin hydrochloride and repaglinide

A combination therapy of metformin hydrochloride (MH) and repaglinide (RG) achieves a perfect glycemic control; however, the combination formulation of immediate release must be taken several times a day, compromising the therapeutic benefits and causing inconveniences to the patients. Herein, a bilayer matrix tablet that aimed at continuously releasing both MH and RG over time was developed, in which the two drugs were formulated into two separated layers. The tablets were prepared by wet granulation method, and the optimized formulation was obtained by evaluating the factors that affected the drug release. The bilayer tablets simultaneously released the two drugs over 12 h; and a better in vivo performance with a steady plasma concentration, markedly lower Cmax, prolonged Tmax, and perfect absorption was obtained. Summarily, the bilayer matrix tablets sustained both MH and RG release over time, thereby prolonging the actions for diabetic therapy and producing better health outcomes.

Controlled Drug Release from Pharmaceutical Nanocarriers

Nanocarriers providing spatiotemporal control of drug release contribute to reducing toxicity and improving therapeutic efficacy of a drug. On the other hand, nanocarriers face unique challenges in controlling drug release kinetics, due to the large surface area per volume ratio and the short diffusion distance. To develop nanocarriers with desirable release kinetics for target applications, it is important to understand the mechanisms by which a carrier retains and releases a drug, the effects of composition and morphology of the carrier on the drug release kinetics, and current techniques for preparation and modification of nanocarriers. This review provides an overview of drug release mechanisms and various nanocarriers with a specific emphasis on approaches to control the drug release kinetics.

Core-shell structured gel-nanocarriers for sustained drug release and enhanced antitumor effect

The present paper attempted to develop temperature-sensitive and core-shell structured gel-nanocarriers (gel-NCs) for paclitaxel (PTX) with 12-hydroxystearic acid (12-HSA) as an organic gelator, which aims at sustaining drug release over time and thus improves the therapeutic effect. The gel-NCs were prepared by a mechanical mixing and high-pressure homogenization method. The gelation transition temperature (Tgel) of the organic phase contained in the cores of the gel-NCs was optimized by a stirring method. The gel-NCs were characterized in terms of the particle size, morphology and in vitro drug release. The in vivo studies, including the antitumor effects on H22 tumor-bearing mice, biocompatibility and toxicity in mice, were performed. Gel-NCs with approximately 170 nm were prepared successfully, and the gelation of the liquid cores at 37°C was achieved, while the amount of gelator was 3.75% (w/w). Due to the gelation of the cores, sustained drug release over time was obtained. Moreover, the PTX-loaded gel-NCs suppressed tumor growth more efficiently than the conventional nanocarriers with better in vivo biocompatibility and no toxicity to other healthy organs. In conclusion, the 12-HSA organogel-based NCs appear to be promising systems for the sustained release of active compounds for a long time and thus improve the therapeutic outcome.

Synthesis and characterization of a photocrosslinkable chitosan–gelatin hydrogel aimed for tissue regeneration

In the area of regenerative medicine different approaches have been studied to restore the native structure of damaged tissues. Herein, the suitability of a photocrosslinkable hydrogel for tissue engineering applications was studied.

Gastro-floating bilayer tablets for the sustained release of metformin and immediate release of pioglitazone: preparation and in vitro/in vivo evaluation

Owing to the complementary mechanisms of action of metformin hydrochloride (MH) and pioglitazone hydrochloride (PG), combination therapy for type 2 diabetes mellitus using the two drugs is highly desired; on the other hand, MH is not well absorbed in lower gastrointestinal tract and has a short half-life, therefore compromising the therapeutic effects. Herein, the present study was to develop gastro-floating bilayer matrix tablets in which the two drugs were incorporated into two separate layers, aiming at sustaining MH release with enhanced absorption and achieving immediate release of PG. The tablets of the optimized formulation floated on the test medium for more than 24 h with 5 min of floating lag time, and sustained MH release for 12 h via a diffusion-dependent manner; and complete release of PG within 5 min were achieved. Moreover, a steady plasma concentration of MH with a 1.5-fold increase in bioavailability, decreased C(max) and reduced T(max) was obtained, and the in vivo behavior of PG was similar to the marked product. Summarily, sustained MH release with improved absorption and immediate release of PG were obtained simultaneously using the gastro-floating bilayer tablet, allowing strengthened combination therapy for diabetes mellitus.