Biopharmaceutical characterisation of a low-dose (75 mg) controlled-release aspirin formulation

The release of aspirin from a 75 mg controlled-release formulation, designed to inhibit maximally thromboxane A2 production while sparing stimulated prostacyclin biosynthesis, was characterised in healthy subjects. The calculated in vivo release rate of aspirin matched the design goal of approximately 10 mg h(-1). The C(max) of aspirin associated with the controlled-release formulation was lowered 15-fold relative to a solution formulation of the same dose. The bioavailability of aspirin (based on salicylate concentrations) from the controlled-release formulation was approximately 90% relative to the solution, and drug release was not affected by co-administration of a standard breakfast.