Enzyme Triggered Membranes for Colonic Drug Delivery

This program will demonstrate the feasibility of a new type of enzyme-triggered release forcolon-specific drug delivery. The key to the new technology is the use of novel enzyme-sensitivemembranes coated onto small drug particles, which should allow control over both the time and site ofdrug delivery. This approach should result in reproducible drug delivery to the colon for either localtreatment of colonic diseases or systemic treatment of a number of conditions. Specific goals in PhaseI include identification of suitable enzyme substrates, development of membrane coatings for smallparticles, and demonstration of enzyme-triggered drug release at predictable times. To achieve thesegoals, enzyme substrates and flat-sheet membranes will be screened for appropriate enzyme activity andtransport properties, and then drug beads will be coated with prototype membranes for in vitroevaluation of enzyme-triggered drug release. If this work is successful, a Phase II program will befocused on further development of the technology and in vivo demonstration of site-specific drugdelivery.