Gastro-retentive Capsule

Extended Release Gastro-retentive Platform Technology

Soctec® was developed for drugs that need to be retained in the stomach for an extended period of time to then being slowly released either for a local effect in the stomach or for absorption in the upper intestine. This is a versatile extended release gastro-retentive capsule platform technology designed to overcome many of the limitations of alternative systems while improving oral bioavailability and duration of action for sustained release formulations.

Why is Gastro-retention important ?

The oral route of administration is preferred for the majority of drugs, owing to its flexibility, ease of administration and patient compliance. However, many drugs are best absorbed in the upper gastro-intestinal tract. In order to target this “absorption window” it is often desirable to retain the drug delivery system in the stomach for an extended period of time so that the drug can be released slowly and thereby be absorbed more efficiently in the upper intestine.

How Soctec Works

Soctec® is an easy-to-swallow elongated capsule. It has an integral buoyancy chamber and a counter-balanced denser ballast, to ensure that it floats upright in the stomach fluids as soon as it is swallowed.

Normally the contents of the stomach are crushed by peristaltic contractions and the contents are rapidly expelled through the pylorus into the duodenum. However, owing to its shape and physical properties Soctec® can be retained in the stomach for more than 9 hours. During this time Soctec® releases its drug load at a pre-determined rate, allowing absorption in the small intestine upper region of the small intestine.

Benefits of Soctec

Soctec® is very adaptable and can be used with drugs having different physicochemical and therapeutic characteristics. The drug release profile can be tailored to the drug’s absorption characteristics and clinical needs. Soctec® utilizes conventional manufacturing techniques facilitating rapid and cost-effective industrialization.

Applications for Soctec

Soctec® can be used with a range of drugs that have a narrow absorption window and are best absorbed in the upper region of the intestine. It can also improve the bioavailability of drugs that are degraded by the alkaline pH of the lower gastro-intestinal tract. It is also suitable for drugs that are targeted for local action in the stomach and small intestine