This patent review focuses exclusively on the oral delivery of mesalamine (5-ASA) and excludes oral mesalamine pro-drug and rectal delivery formulations. The formulation strategies of marketed formulations (Apriso((R)), Asacol((R)), Lialda((R)) and Pentasa((R))) and non-marketed formulations are reviewed and explained by decoding formulation specifics that enable the site specific delivery for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease.