Anti-hypertensive effect of oral controlled-release microspheres containing an ACE inhibitor (delapril hydrochloride) in rats.

An oral controlled-release drug delivery system based on microspheres of polyglycerol esters of fatty acids (PGEFs), was applied to an anti-hypertensive, delapril hydrochloride. The in-vitro release profile was controlled by selecting a PGEF with an appropriate hydrophilic-lipophilic balance value for the matrix. The microspheres from which 80% of the drug was released in 6 h were orally administered to rats. The plasma concentration of the active metabolite was sustained after administration of the microspheres in comparison with administration of a solution. The in-vivo release profile was in good agreement with the in-vitro release profile. When the microspheres were administered, the pharmacological effect of delapril hydrochloride on the angiotensin I-induced pressor response was also sustained showing consistency with the plasma concentration-time curve.