"DRUG DELIVERY IN TREATMENT OF HEPATITIS C"

Abstract

"Drug delivery system, currently the patient self administered subcutaneous injection drug therapy is most recommended for Hepatitis C treatment. In this project the active ingredient packed in injection syringe are being extracted to test for oral drug delivery.

Objective of this project is to observe the response of active ingredient originally designed for subcutaneous injection when exposed through the digestive tract, and to explore a possible alternative drug delivery method for this active ingredient.

Methodology, use UV Spectrophotometer to identify the stabilities of this active ingredient in simulated gastric fluid and simulated intestinal fluids over a monitored period. Drug with coating is also tested for comparison. Drug release profile will also be discussed extensively in the recommendation section.

Results from laboratory analysis show a mix response of this active ingredient in the simulated fluids. 2 tests indicate it remain stable in SGF over 6hrs another 4 tests indicate it is unstable after 2hrs in SGF. All 6 tests indicate this active ingredient remains stable in SIF over the monitored period.

Conclusion from all the works done and laboratory analysis in this project is showing this active ingredient is not ideal for oral delivery without suitable protective coating to keep its molecular structure stable through the digestive track to reach the intestine for absorption.

Recommendation I would make is base on all the knowledge I gained in this course of study to use enteric coating to protect this active ingredient until it reaches the intestine. The new formulation should achieve 95% stability in the gastric fluid over 4 hours.

Limitation is unable access enteric material to formulate new drug to conduct laboratory tests. Secondly is I lack the skill and knowledge to conduct clinical study on animal to test the amount of drug actually entered the blood stream after each dose. This scope of works will be left to interest groups to continue the research to draw conclusive evidence on the effectiveness of new drug delivery system and not forgetting to record the side effect in this clinical study."