| abstract |
Disclosed is a drug microparticle that releases a drug compound into the colon after oral administration. A microparticle comprising: a core comprising a pharmaceutical compound; an inner coating surrounding the inner core, wherein the inner coating comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable polysaccharide that is readily enzymatically digestible by one or more enzymes present in the colonic microbiota; and an outer coating surrounding the inner coating, wherein the outer coating comprises a polymer that is stable at upper gastrointestinal pH but dissolves in less than about 60 minutes at colonic lumen pH. The inner core of the microparticles may further comprise excipients such as diluents, binders, disintegrants, lubricants, glidants, or combinations thereof. The microparticles may include pharmaceutical compounds for the treatment of colonic diseases, such as clostridium difficile colitis, ulcerative colitis, and crohn's disease. |