FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF LINAGLIPTIN MUCOADHESIVE BUCCAL PATCH

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by elevated blood glucose levels, with type II diabetes mellitus being the most prevalent form, primarily resulting from insulin resistance and/or insufficient insulin secretion. Mucoadhesive buccal patches, which are designed to adhere to the buccal mucosa for systemic effectiveness, offer a more effective option for oral administration because they bypass the first pass metabolism. Linagliptin, a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) Inhibitor, is commonly used for the management of type II diabetes but suffers from limitations related to oral bioavailability and patient adherence. The present study aims to formulate and evaluate a Mucoadhesive buccal patch of linagliptin to provide sustained drug release and improve therapeutic effects. The primary objective Includes assessing the Mucoadhesive strength to ensure prolonged adhesion to the buccal mucosa, evaluating the formulation for pharmaceutical Suitability, and creating an ideal patch with desired physicochemical properties. The buccal patches were successfully developed with polyvinylpyrrolidone K30 (PVP K30) and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) as polymers using the solvent casting method, and the selected polymers and excipients ensured good flexibility, mucoadhesive property, and compatibility with the buccal environment. Evaluation parameters like physical properties, drug content uniformity, swelling index, and In-vitro drug release profiles confirmed uniformity, sustained drug release, and effective adhesion, all of which are essential for a reliable buccal delivery system. This study highlights the potential of buccal patches as an innovative alternative to conventional oral dosage forms, offering benefits such as enhanced bioavailability, and improved patient compliance.