The development of novel drug delivery systems has improved the efficacy and safety of many important therapeutic agents. Understanding the release characteristics of drugs from these dosage forms is essential for their optimal use.

This course is designed to cover principles & concepts of modified release drug delivery systems including extended release, delayed release & targeted release drug products for oral, trans-mucosal, trans-dermal, intra-ocular, intra-vaginal, intra-uterine & parenteral administration. The course includes potential advantages & limitations as well as drugs candidates for oral extended release drug products. The course will also describe advanced concepts applied in the design, formulation & development of extended release products; including principle of design, excipients used, biopharmaceutical factors influencing design strategy, dosage form selection & drug release mechanisms.

The course shall also discuss various biopharmaceutical, pharmacokinetic & clinical aspects of extended release products as well as official in-vivo & in-vitro tests used to evaluate extended release drug delivery systems. The course will also cover nanoparticles as potential tools for drug delivery & recent advances in novel drug delivery systems including liposomes.