Aceclofenac (AC) is a phenyl acetic acid derivative [2-(2’,6’-dichlorophenyl)amino] phenylacetoxyacetic acid], a novel NSAID indicated for the symptomatic treatment of pain and inflammation

phenylacetoxyacetic acid], a novel NSAID indicated for the symptomatic treatment of pain and inflammation (1). The short biological half-life (about 4 h) and high frequency of dosing make aceclofenac an ideal candidate for sustained release. The bioadhesive microspheres of aceclofenac would prolong the residence time at the absorption site to facilitate intimate contact with the absorption surface and thereby improve and enhance bioavailability and increase patient compliance. Natural hydrophilic polymers like alginate and pectin are widely used in numerous biomedical applications for their bioadhesion properties. Alginic acid and pectin are natural polysaccharides that are widely