ABSTRACT
The emergence of controlled release (CR) technology as an effective way to enhance patient compliance and extend the life cycle of a drug has led to the need for novel ways of controlling the drug release profiles. Polymers present a logical and simple approach to control the release of drugs. The use of polymers in pharmaceutical preparation dates back to 3000 B.C.E, with references in ancient Indian medical text (1). The use of polymers for oral CR was reported in the modern era, in 1930s, with the use of shellac in aspirin tablets. However elevation of this technology to its current commercial status was catalyzed in the 1970s and 1980s, with a rising need for minimization of toxic side effects and for life cycle management of drugs.
