CYTARABINE TRAPPING IN POLY(2-HYDROXYETHYL METHACRYLATE) HYDROGELS - DRUG-DELIVERY STUDIES

The release of cytarabine (ara-c) from poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylat e) hydrogels cross-linked with different amounts of ethyleneglycol dim ethacrylate (EGDMA) has been studied. The drug (range 5-25 mg) was tra pped in polymer discs by including it in the feed mixture of polymeriz ation. The drug delivery was followed by HPLC. The release was in acco rdance with Fickian behaviour. Total release of ara-C was reached afte r between 3 and 7 days depending on the percentage of EGDMA in the gel s. A constant release rate of ara-C from the hydrogels was obtained, t he time depending on the degree of cross-linking of the gels: 22 h for gels with 0.5% EGDMA, 32 h for gels with 5% EGDMA and 42 h for gels w ith 7% EGDMA; the amount of ara-C released being 50%, 80% and 85%, res pectively, of the drug load of the gel discs. An increase of the relea se rate with the disc load was observed for each sort of hydrogel. Nei ther during the loading of the gels nor right through the drug release was degradation of ara-C observed. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Limited. All rights reserved.