Controlled release of NSAIDs bound to polyacrylic carrier systems

The synthesis, characterization and properties of new acrylic "polymeric dr ugs" derived from the NSAIDs agents ibuprofen and ketoprofen are described. The swelling behavior in hydrated medium and the controlled release from h ydrophilic copolymers of the NSAIDs derivatives and 2-hydroxyethylmethacryl ate, HE MA, a re discussed, considering the hydrolytical reactivity of the acrylamide or acrylic ester functional groups, the aromatic or aliphatic st ructure of the spacer side groups, and the hydrophilic character of the cop olymer systems. The results obtained demonstrated that the swelling degree of copolymers depends on the average composition of copolymers, decreasing with the increase of the average fraction of the corresponding acrylic deri vative of ibuprofen or ketoprofen in the copolymer system. In addition, pol ymers which support the NSAIDs active component through aromatic amide link s, are more sensitive to hydrolytical processes than those of alkyl ester f unctions. The results obtained demonstrate that these supports could be app lied for direct administration, transdermal, systemic or intra-articular in jection, as well as in the form of films on wounds. (C) 1998 Kluwer Academi c Publishers.