POLY-4-HYDROXYBUTYRATE MATRICES FOR SUSTAINED DRUG DELIVERY

摘要

Biodegradable controlled release systems providing prolonged controlledrelease of drugs, and methods for the manufacture thereof are disclosed. Thesystems are formed from a biocompatible, biodegradable polymer, in particularpoly-4-hydroxybutyrate (PHA4400) or copolymers thereof. Copolymers of 4-hydroxybutyrate include but are not limited to poly-3-hydroxybutyrate-co-4-hydroxybutyrate (PHA3444), and poly-4-hydoxybutyrate-co-glycolate (PHA4422).Drugs are generally incorporated into the polymer using a method that yields auniform dispersion. The type of drug and the quantity are selected based onthe known pharmaceutical properties of these compounds. The systems may beadministered for example by implantation, injection, topical administration,or oral ingestion. They may also be used in combination with a medical device,for example, a stent. A major advantage of the drug delivery system is that itdoes not need to be removed after use since it is slowly degraded and clearedby the patient's body. The device has desirable physical properties, includingstrength, modulus and elongation.