Formulation for controlled release of drugs by combining hydrophilic and hydrophobic agents

Abstract

Combinations of hydrophilic and hydrophobic entities in a biodegradable sustained release implant are shown to modulate each other's rate of release. Formulations of a therapeutically active agent and modulator provide substantially constant rate of release for an extended period of time.

1 . A method for treating an ocular condition, the method comprising the step of implanting in the vitreal chamber of a patient's eye a sustained release device comprising a polymeric matrix and a corticosteroid, the corticosteroid being homogeneously distributed throughout the polymeric matrix, wherein the sustained release device has a shape selected from the group of shapes consisting of fibers and discs, the sustained release device is not a microcapsule, and the sustained release device is dimensioned for implantation in the vitreal chamber of a patient's eye. 
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the corticosteroid is selected from the group consisting of dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, cortisone, prednisolone, prednisone, progesterone-like compounds, medrysone and fluorometholone. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the corticosteroid is released with about zero order kinetics. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the polymer matrix is biodegradable. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the sustained release device which is extruded. 
     
     
         6 . A method for treating an ocular condition, the method comprising the step of implanting in the vitreal chamber of a patient's eye a sustained release device comprising a polymeric matrix and dexamethasone, the dexamethasone being homogeneously distributed throughout the polymeric matrix, wherein the sustained release device has a shape selected from the group of shapes consisting of fibers and discs, the sustained release device is not a microcapsule, and the sustained release device is dimensioned for implantation in the vitreal chamber of a patient's eye. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6  wherein the polymeric matrix is biodegradable. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 6  wherein the sustained release device is extruded.