Gastro-Retentive Drug Delivery Systems: A Comprehensive Scientific Review

Abstract

Gastro-retentive drug delivery systems (GRDDS) are innovative oral formulations designed to enhance the bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy of drugs with narrow absorption windows in the upper gastrointestinal tract. By prolonging gastric residence time, GRDDS enable sustained drug release, reduce dosing frequency, and improve patient compliance. Several strategies, including floating, bioadhesive, swelling, and high-density systems, have been developed to achieve effective gastro-retention. This review summarizes the physiological factors influencing gastric retention, various formulation approaches, and key evaluation techniques. It further discusses clinical applications, recent technological advances, and challenges associated with GRDDS. A critical analysis of their advantages and limitations is presented, along with insights into future directions, highlighting the role of novel polymers, nanotechnology, and 3D printing in overcoming existing barriers and translating GRDDS into successful clinical products.

Keywords: Gastro-retentive drug delivery systems, gastric retention, floating systems, bioadhesive systems, controlled release, oral bioavailability, sustained drug release, nanotechnology.