Sitagliptin-Loaded Mucoadhesive Buccal Films: Redefining Antidiabetic Treatment

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is a long-term metabolic condition marked by persistent elevation of blood glucose levels. Conventional oral antidiabetic therapy often faces limitations such as extensive first-pass metabolism, poor absorption, and enzymatic degradation, which reduce its overall therapeutic effectiveness. Modern advancements in drug delivery systems have emphasized the buccal route, particularly mucoadhesive buccal films, as a promising and future-friendly approach for improving antidiabetic treatment. Sitagliptin-loaded buccal patches, prepared via the solvent casting method, present a promising strategy for managing type 2 diabetes. These films allow direct systemic absorption through the oral mucosa by hepatic first-pass metabolism, enhancing bioavailability and providing sustained release. Sitagliptin is a selective DPP-4 inhibitor that helps to maintain glycemic control by increasing insulin secretion and reducing glucagon levels. The mucoadhesive film system promotes better patient compliance and decreases dose frequency. Advanced formulation expertise, including nano polymers, sophisticated characterization methods, and 3D printing, further improves mechanical strength, drug permeability, and production scalability. Sitagliptin mucoadhesive buccal films show considerable promise as an efficient drug delivery platform, cultivating healing effectiveness and quality of life in individuals with diabetes. With the incorporation of novel materials and scalable fabrication techniques, this approach could represent a major advancement in future antidiabetic therapy, offering improved patient adherence, consistent drug release, and broader clinical applicability across diverse patient populations.