Stable, Biodegradable Sustain-Release Analgesic System

This proposal is to examine the feasability of using biodegradable, injectable gels as drud delivery vehicle for a model analgesic drugf, Bupronophine, for the release and management of severe acute and chronic pain. We propose to develop a controlled release biodegradable, injectable gel formulation for Bupronorphine Hydrochloride (water soluble salt) and Bupronorphine base (water insoluble) that can be injected subcutaneously. three differnet molecular weight of the polymers and four different drug loadings will be used to formulate drug-loaded gels of varying compositions. Factors affecting in-vitro drug release rates from the gel formulations will be evaluated. Two optimized formulations will be selected for an in vivo afficasy experinments. The selected drug formulations are expected to provide analgesia for a prolonged period of time. The therapeutic application of such novel technology would be of tremendous benefit to patients suffering from severe acute and chronic pain. Besides clinical benefits, the technology described in the proposal has tremendous commercial potential in a large number of areas.