FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF FLOATING MICROBEADS OF LANSOPRAZOLE USING NATURAL POLYMER

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and other acid-related disorders often necessitate prolonged and effective treatment with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) like lansoprazole. However, the challenge lies in ensuring sustained and controlled release of the drug to optimize therapeutic outcomes while minimizing adverse effects. In this study, we aimed to address this challenge by formulating floating microbeads of lansoprazole using natural polymers, thereby enhancing gastric retention and drug release characteristics. Six formulations (F1-F6) were meticulously developed, employing a blend of natural polymers meticulously selected for their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and swelling properties. Subsequently, the formulations underwent comprehensive evaluation for various parameters, including flow properties, particle size, entrapment efficiency, swelling behavior, and in-vitro drug release kinetics. Among the formulations, F4 emerged as the most promising candidate, exhibiting superior flow properties and the highest entrapment efficiency. Notably, F4 demonstrated sustained drug release kinetics, indicative of its potential for prolonged therapeutic effect. Further analysis revealed a complex interplay of diffusion and erosion-controlled release mechanisms governing drug release from F4, underscoring its suitability for sustained drug delivery. These findings underscore the potential of the formulated microbeads to revolutionize the treatment landscape for acid-related disorders, offering a novel approach to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of lansoprazole while mitigating the challenges associated with conventional dosage forms. Future studies, including in-vivo pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic assessments, are warranted to validate these promising results and pave the way for clinical translation.