With an in-depth understanding of the complex mechanisms of gastric mucosal injury and repair, Ace Therapeutics is committed to providing effective experimental solutions to help clients advance the development of antacids as gastrointestinal disease therapy.
Introduction to Antacids
Antacids, also known as stomach acid neutralizing drugs, are a class of weakly alkaline compounds. After oral administration, they can neutralize excessive gastric acid, reduce the acidity and pepsin activity in the stomach, and relieve the erosion and stimulation of gastric mucosa and ulcer surface by gastric acid, so as to alleviate the pain and promote the healing of ulcers. At the same time, due to the reduction of intragastric acidity, it can also promote platelet aggregation and accelerate coagulation, which is conducive to hemostasis and prevention of re-bleeding. In addition, some antacids in the neutralization of gastric acid at the same time, can form a gel, covering the ulcer surface, and play a protective and astringent effect.
Figure 1. Effects of different antacid ingredients on gastric acid. (Garg V., et al. 2022)
Types of Antacids We Can Develop
- Development of Traditional Antacids
We can assist our clients in developing novel antacid drugs, which can directly neutralize stomach acid through a chemical reaction and raise the pH of gastric juice, providing rapid relief of gastric upset symptoms. Our research and development services include the optimization of the molecular structures of antacids and the development of drug formulations and delivery systems. We can also provide in vivo animal efficacy study services to evaluate the efficacy of targeted antacid molecules in neutralizing gastric acid and ameliorating gastric ulcers.
- Development of Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)
Proton pump inhibitors inhibit the activity of the H⁺/K⁺-ATPase enzyme in gastric mucosal cells and reduce gastric acid secretion at the source. We can provide in vitro enzyme activity testing and in vivo animal model experimental services to evaluate the inhibitory effect of the test drugs on H⁺/K⁺-ATPase and the inhibitory effect on gastric acid secretion in animals.
- Development of H2 Receptor Antagonist
H2 receptor antagonists inhibit gastric acid secretion by blocking histamine H2 receptors, with a faster onset of action than PPIs, but not long-lasting. We can assess the binding affinity of drugs to H2 receptors, as well as the inhibitory effects of drugs on gastric acid secretion in cellular and animal models in a dose-response relationship.
What Can We Do for the Development of Antacids?
In Vitro Studies
- Determination of Acid Neutralizing Capacity
Add the antacid to an amount of simulated gastric fluid and determine the amount of antacid required for neutralization by titration.
- Evaluation of Simulated Stomach Kinetics
Observe the behavior of the antacid in a dynamic stomach environment with a simulated stomach model, such as dynamic stomach model or mixing system.
In Vivo Studies
- Development of Animal Models for Antacid Drug Research
Provide the following research models for the development of antacid drugs to support our clients' R&D needs.
- Determination of Gastric Fluid pH
Collect gastric contents and determine pH by pH meter or titration to assess the neutralizing effect of antacids.
- Measurement of Gastric Acid Secretion
Install a gastric fistula, collect gastric fluid, measure total secretion and acidity, and record changes in secretion and acid-neutralizing capacity before and after drug administration.
- Gastric Mucosa Protection Effect
Observe the pathological sections of gastric mucosa through a microscope to assess the degree of inflammation, bleeding, necrosis and repair.
By providing comprehensive in vitro and in vivo evaluation services, Ace Therapeutics helps pharmaceutical companies and research organizations develop novel therapies for the treatment of disorders caused by excessive gastric acid production. If you are interested in our services, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Reference
- Garg, V.; et al. Antacids revisited: review on contemporary facts and relevance for self-management. J Int Med Res. 2022, 50(3):3000605221086457.
Related Services
Our products and services are for research use only and can not be used for diagnostic or other purposes.
