Oesophageal bandaging: a new opportunity for thermosetting polymers

The development of an oesophageal <<bandage>>, which is capable of forming a protective layer over the oesophageal mucose, as well as providing a plat form for localised drug delivery to the oesophagus, could hold distinct adv antages in the prevention and treatment of many oesophageal disorders espec ially gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (known by the initials GORD or GERD ). The concept of coating or <<bandaging>> the oesophagus with a material w hich will increase the mucosal resistance to refluxed acid, has received ir regular attention since early experiments with sucralfate. Graft copolymers , which possess mucoadhesive and thermosetting properties, are of particula r interest as they could facilitate oral administration as a free flowing l iquid, which subsequently gels in vivo. In this paper the approaches to the very difficult problem of targeting the oesophagus is considered with spec ial attention to the potential benefits of thermosetting graft copolymers. In addition, we review the scope of the potential benefits in the spectrum of treatment of oesophageal disease.