BackgroundThe current research aims to determine the pharmacokinetic parameters, mucoadhesive strength, and IVIVC correlation of the novel chronotherapeutic drug delivery system of montelukast sodium (MTS) loaded Parteck® SRP80 and hypromellose system. To accomplish this, an HPLC method was developed which is highly sensitive, precise, and rapid for quantifying pure MTS in rabbit plasma. Mucoadhesive strength and time-dependent mobility of developed formulation were established by ex-vivo study and X-ray radiography, respectively. Using a fraction of drug absorbed (FDA) and a fraction of drug released (FDR), Level-A in-vitro in-vivo correlation (IVIVC) was developed. According to ICH Q1A (R2) standards, stability experiments were conducted for 180 days.ResultMTS retention time came as 3.971 min with a mobile phase of methanol: acetonitrile: 0.2 mM sodium acetate buffer (5:90:5). In-vitro dissolution showed pulsatile release of the drug up to 24 h with two lag phases. The in-vivo study showed a Cmax of 490.16 ± 33.95 ng/ml, Tmax of 9 h, and MRT of 14.08 ± 1.21 h. The correlation coefficient of 0.9899 confirmed the level-A IVIVC. Uncoated matrix tablet of Parteck® SRP 80 displayed mucoadhesive strength 1.25-fold higher than hypromellose. Stability experiments found no significant changes in drug content, physical appearance, and cumulative percentage release with a similarity factor of 87–90.ConclusionA single oral dose in-vivo study proved the sustained release of the drug for 24 h with satisfactory mucoadhesive strength. Moreover, X-ray radiography has confirmed the time-dependent presence of formulation at the needed spot. This study fulfilled all the requirements for chronotherapy of asthma and can be scaled up in the future.Graphical abstract