A synthetic analogue of eel calcitonin, [Asu1,7]-ECT, was incorporated
into biodegradable poly(DL-lactic acids) with number-average molecula
r weights (M(n)) of 1400-4400 by the melt-pressing technique. The in v
itro release of drug from a parabolically degradable poly(DL-lactic ac
id) with M(n) = 1400 showed an initial burst release and completed the
release in 3 d from the start of the test. The drug release from a M(
n) = 4400 polymer with an S-type degradation pattern was kept at 14 +/
- 5 units/d for an experimental period of 24 d.