Coated controlled release polymer particles as efficient oral delivery vehicles for biopharmaceuticals

摘要

A composition for delivering an active agent to a patient. The composition includes a polymer core encapsulating the active agent and a mucoadhesive coating disposed about the core. The polymer may include covalently linked poly(ethylene glycol) chains, and the mucoadhesive coating may be selected to facilitate transfer of the particle through the intestinal mucosa. A molecular weight and cross-link density of the polymer may be selected such that the polymer core will decompose in a predetermined time interval. The fraction of the dose of the drug entering the system at circulation during the predetermined time interval may be between about 0.25% and about 25%. The composition may be formulated as a plurality of nanoparticles or microparticles that are combined with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier to produce an edible or inhalable drug product.