This invention relates generally to injectable
drug delivery systems and methods of preparing same, and in particular to
drug delivery systems comprising biodegradable polymeric
nanogel formulations that form a depot (gel) in the body once injected, and can release therapeutic agents with enhanced extended-release times in the subject being treated. The
polymer matrix
drug delivery systems of the subject invention are comprised of a
biodegradable polymer, a
solvent or a combination of solvents, an
alkylphenol, and therapeutic agents such as
insulin,
tetrandrine, other
small molecule drugs (preferably hydrophobic drugs) to treat a variety of diseases including diabetes and
hearing loss. A preferred
alkylphenol is meta
cresol which has demonstrated importance for dissolving and stabilizing the therapeutic agents, and forming gels with better shape and controlled
drug release after injection.