Drug delivery has typically focused on optimizing marketed compounds, improving their effectiveness or tolerability and simplifying their administration. Geomatrix technology is a new drug delivery device in the form of a multi-layer tablet proposed for constant drug release and was developed at University of Pavia, Italy. This technology provides customised levels of controlled release of specific drugs. It consists of a hydrophilic matrix core, containing the active ingredient and one or two impermeable or semi-permeable polymeric coatings are applied on the core. The core contains the active ingredient and the combination of barrier layers control the surface area diffusion of the drug out of the core. The combination of layers each with different rates of swelling, gelling and erosion is responsible for the release of drug. It can be applied to a wide range of therapeutic agents. Polymeric materials play an important role in the functioning of these systems. These polymers act as barriers to control drug release. It is a well-established, validated and customisable oral drug delivery platform technology that is currently used in 8 products that are available in over 80 countries. The tablets employing this technology can be easily manufactured using conventional production equipment. This review focuses on the geometric technology that had been developed to provide controlled release of drugs.
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