Abstract
Since the discovery of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) in 1982 and subsequent understanding of its aetiological role in gastrointestinal diseases, importance of H. pylori eradication has been recognized. One of currently recommended regimens is based on proton pump inhibitor in combination with two antimicrobial agents, because none of antimicrobial agents can completely eradicate H. pylori by monotherapy. One of the reasons why antimicrobial agents having low MIC value cannot provide strong eradication in vivo is inefficient delivery following oral administration to the gastric mucus and epitherial cell surface where H. pylori exists. We have developed mucoadhesive microspheres, Adhesive Micromatrix System (AdMMS), containing a drug and a cross-linked poly (acrylic) acid powder dispersed in a waxy base, which has the ability to strongly adhere to gastric wall and to reside in the gastrointestinal tract for an extended period. AdMMS containing an anti-H. pylori agent, amoxicillin, adhered to H. pylori-infected mongolian gerbil stomach, completely eradicated H. pylori and cured gastritis. After AdMMS administration, the required dose of arnoxicillin to clear H. pylori was reduced by a factor of 10 compared to that of after suspension administration. AdMMS is expected to be a useful oral targeting drug delivery system for H. pylori eradication.
