Open AccessBiodegradable Injectable Implant Systems for Long Term Drug Delivery Using Poly (Lactic‐co‐glycolic) Acid Copolymers
Author(s) -
Chandrashekar G.,
Udupa N.
Publication year - 1996
Publication title -
journal of pharmacy and pharmacology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.745
H-Index - 118
eISSN - 2042-7158
pISSN - 0022-3573
DOI - 10.1111/j.2042-7158.1996.tb03948.x
Subject(s) - glycolic acid , diclofenac sodium , drug delivery , drug , pharmacokinetics , plga , implant , pharmacology , biodegradable polymer , dosage form , lactic acid , microsphere , copolymer , controlled release , pharmacodynamics , lactide , medicine , chemistry , in vitro , polymer , surgery , chemical engineering , biochemistry , organic chemistry , genetics , bacteria , engineering , biology
Poly (lactide‐co‐glycolide) (PLG), is one of the most widely employed biodegradable synthetic polymers for sustained‐release preparations. In the present work, PLG (50:50) copolymer has been used to deliver diclofenac sodium in the form of microspheres and in situ gel‐forming systems, both of which can be injected subcutaneously. The pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic studies in the adjuvant‐induced arthritic rats showed that the microspheres offered steady therapeutic levels of the drug in the plasma for about 16 days following a single subcutaneous injection. However, the in situ gel‐forming system provided a significantly higher maximum plasma concentration and increased inhibition of inflammation, maintained for about 10 days. Injectable microspheres and in situ gel‐forming implant systems of PLG (50: 50) copolymer may therefore be considered as prospective implantable controlled‐release dosage forms to deliver drugs in long‐term therapy of chronic ailments.