Comprehensive Review on the Development and Challenges of Osmotically Activated Drug Delivery Systems

Abstract:

Osmotically activated drug delivery systems provide zero-order drug release kinetics that are independent of gastrointestinal pH. However, they may be partially affected by food effects and gastrointestinal motility, similar to other sustained-release oral drug delivery systems. Such delivery systems have the advantages of improved patient compliance, reduced dosing frequency, and predictable in vitro–in vivo correlation. However, several issues restrict its translation from the lab to clinical usage. The challenges associated with the osmotically activated delivery systems include formulation and manufacturing challenges such as drug solubility, manufacturing complexities, stability issues due to moisture sensitivity, limited drug loading in implants, orifice fabrication, etc. Other translational challenges include patient restrictions related to tablet size, variable physiological dependence, and high production costs. This review has provided an outline of different types of osmotic pumps with emphasis on the challenges and the possible approaches to overcome them. Additionally, commercially available products and clinical trial outcomes have been discussed, indicating their therapeutic benefits in several diseases such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), schizophrenia, cancer, etc.