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Abstract
The demand for more patient-friendly and complaint dosage forms has increased for past one decade. As an outcome, the demand for developing new technologies has been growing annually. As the development cost of a new drug molecule is very high, the pharmaceutical companies are finding out new drug dosage forms for existing drugs with developed safety and efficacy together with reduced dosing and the production of more cost effective dosage forms.
For most therapeutic agents used to produce systemic effects, the oral route still represents the preferred way of administration, owing to its several advantages and high patient compliance compared to many other routes.
The currently available drug delivery system mains constitute tablets and hard gelatin capsules.
However, many patient groups such as the elderly, children, and patients who are mentally retarded, uncooperative, nauseated, or on reduced liquid-intake/diets have difficulties swallowing these dosage forms. Those who are traveling or have little access to water are similarly affected.