Characterization of a polymeric PLGA-injectable implant delivery system for the controlled release of proteins

Physico-chemical properties of injectable polymeric implant systems, based on the principle that a water-insoluble polymer dissolved in a biocompatibl e solvent will precipitate upon contact with water, were studied and utiliz ed to predict the release of proteins from these systems. Polylactide-co-gl ycolide copolymer (PLGA) and glycofurol were chosen since they both have ph armaceutical precedence. Changes in polymer composition, its weight percent in solution, molecular weight, and protein loading level were assessed to provide formulations with the desired release rates ansi duration of releas e. (C) 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.