Biodegradable Polymeric Implants for High-Load Long-Acting Drug Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current HIV prevention and treatment methods, such as daily oral antiretroviral therapy and PrEP, suffer from low patient adherence, drug resistance, and uneven access, limiting their effectiveness and availability.
Innovation Solution
Development of biodegradable polymeric implants using a phase inversion technique to create a homogeneous drug-loaded polymer, followed by micronization and direct compression, allowing for controlled release of pharmaceutically active agents over an extended period.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If daily oral antiretroviral therapy is used, then HIV treatment is provided, but patient adherence is low
Solution Approach 1:
The treatment regimen is segmented from daily multiple-dose oral therapy into a single implantable device that delivers drug continuously over extended periods (1-6 months), eliminating the need for daily patient action while maintaining treatment effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
A biodegradable polymeric implant serves as an intermediary device that houses and controls the release of antiretroviral drugs, replacing the need for direct patient administration of oral medications while ensuring consistent drug delivery
2Duration of action of moving object
If high drug loading is achieved in the implant, then extended release duration is possible, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manufacturing process utilizes parameter changes in the polymer-drug solution system, including solvent selection (water-miscible organic solvents), concentration ratios, and phase inversion conditions, to achieve high drug loading (up to 90% w/w) while maintaining simple processing steps that avoid complex equipment requirements
3Ease of operation
If the implant provides sustained drug release over extended periods, then adherence improves, but drug concentration control becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The manufacturing process exploits phase transition phenomena where the polymer solution transitions from a homogeneous liquid state to a solidified matrix upon solvent evaporation or water addition, enabling precise control of drug concentration and distribution during the phase change while ensuring sustained release kinetics
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The implants provide sustained release of antiretroviral agents for HIV prevention and treatment, improving adherence and reducing resistance, with flexible shape and size options for enhanced patient comfort and compliance.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a phase inversion technique comprising introducing a solution comprising (a) a biodegradable polymer, (b) a water miscible biocompatible organic solvent, (c) at least one pharmaceutically active agent... wherein the solvent diffuses into the aqueous medium during phase inversion
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are polymeric implants and controlled release drug delivery systems to provide high drug loading and long-acting drug release. Provided herein are methods for making the same. Methods of administering pharmacologically active agents via the disclosed polymeric implants and controlled release drug delivery systems are also provided.