SUMMARY
The aim of this study was to develop a novel HPMCP capsule. The HPMCP capsule containing99mTc-DTPA and lactose was evaluated in in vitro and in vivo studies. First of all, the HPMCP capsules were prepared and characterized with lenght and diameter size, brittleness facility, moisture content and microbiological test. In vitro resistance and solubility studies of prepared capsules were tested at pH 1.2 and pH 7.4 buffers. The radiolabeled HPMCP capsules were administrated to fasted volunteers. The disintegration times and positions of capsules were recorded by using gamma scintigraphy. In vitro studies showed that HPMCP capsules were gastro resistant for 2 h at pH 1.2 and dissolved at pH 7.4 in 20-25 minutes. The radiolabeled capsules did not disintegrate in stomach whereas disintegrated in intestines. In conclusion, it was found that, the prepared HPMCP capsules can be an alternative to the hard gelatine capsules and used for intestinal targeting.Keywords: Capsule, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose phthalate (HPMCP), gamma scintigraphy, radiolabelling, technetium-99m.