Injectable Microbeads for Delivery of Buprenorphine

The objective of this research program is to demonstrate the feasibility of a new controlled-releasuse in an injectable formulation of buprenorphine to improve treatment of opioid dependence. The keytechnology is the use of bioerodible microporous microbeads with a controllable structure that allowas well as easily varied release rates and durations of release. These controlled-release microbeadsinjectable formulation that would result in much-improved patient compliance, better efficacy, and fthe case with current therapies. Specific tasks in Phase l include identification of bioerodible polcandidate microporous microbeads, in vitro testing of drug- loaded microbeads, determination of shorvivo evaluation of candidate microbeads in rhesus monkeys. The feasibility of this approach will bevitro and in vivo tests indicate efficacy over 3- to 14-day time periods. If this is the case, a Phaon further development of this technology and completion of preclinical studies necessary for submisInvestigational New Drug application.