Recent Developments in Oral Drug Delivery of Prokinetic Agents: Nanoparticles and Beyond

Prokinetic agents are drugs used to enhance gastrointestinal motility and treat disorders such as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and gastroparesis. pH-dependent release systems offer targeted drug delivery, allowing prokinetic agents to be released specifically in desired regions of the gastrointestinal tract. This optimizes drug efficacy and minimizes systemic side effects. Gastroretentive formulations enable sustained drug release, which is particularly beneficial in conditions requiring prolonged gastric residence time, such as gastroparesis. Nanoparticles have emerged as promising carriers for improving prokinetic agent delivery and enhancing drug stability, solubility, and absorption. These nano-systems protect drugs from degradation, leading to improved bioavailability and controlled drug release. Furthermore, incorporating mucoadhesive technologies promotes prolonged drug-mucosa interactions, facilitating enhanced drug absorption and reducing dosing frequency. These recent advancements have the potential to revolutionize the oral drug delivery of prokinetic agents, offering improved therapeutic outcomes, enhanced patient compliance, and reduced side effects. However, scalability, biocompatibility, and safety challenges warrant further investigation and validation through preclinical and clinical studies. This review highlights recent advances in oral drug delivery systems for prokinetic agents, focusing on innovative approaches such as pH-dependent release, gastroretentive formulations, nanoparticles, and mucoadhesive technologies. In conclusion, integrating advanced oral drug delivery systems for prokinetic agents presents a promising avenue for managing gastrointestinal disorders. Continued research and collaboration among academia, industry, and healthcare professionals are crucial to unlocking the full potential of these innovations and ultimately translating them into clinically effective treatments for patients.