Polymer-based surgically implatable haloperidol delivery systems and methods for their production and use

Abstract

Surgically implantable drug delivery systems for long-term delivery of haloperidol containing a biodegradable polymer and haloperidol fabricated into the surgically implantable drug delivery systems via solvent casting and compression molding are provided. Also provided are methods for producing the surgically implantable drug delivery systems and methods for using these systems in the treatment of psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia.

1 - 10 . (canceled) 
     
     
         11 . An implant comprising: (a) a biodegradable polymer or copolymer, wherein said biodegradable polymer or copolymer comprises polylactide or lactide-co-glycolide copolymer; and (b) haloperidol at a concentration ranging from about 20% to about 40% of the mass of said implant, wherein said implant is capable of delivering a steady state concentration of haloperidol to a patient for about 5 months. 
     
     
         12 . The implant of  claim 11 , wherein said haloperidol is present in an amount of about 40%. 
     
     
         13 . The implant  claim 11 , wherein said haloperidol is present in an amount of about 20%. 
     
     
         14 . The implant of  claim 11 , wherein the biodegradable polymer or copolymer comprises polylactide at the concentration of about 50-100% and polyglycolide at the concentration of about 0-50%. 
     
     
         15 . The implant of  claim 11 , wherein said biodegradable copolymer comprises polylactide and polyglycolide in a ratio of 85:15. 
     
     
         16 . The implant of  claim 11 , wherein said biodegradable copolymer comprises polylactide and polyglycolide in a ratio of 75:25. 
     
     
         17 . The implant of  claim 11 , wherein said implant is surgically implantable to said patient. 
     
     
         18 . The implant of  claim 17 , wherein said implant is removable from said patient in the event said patient exhibits unwanted side effects following implantation. 
     
     
         19 . A method for producing the implant of  claim 11 , wherein the method comprises the step of fabricating said implant at a physical condition that allows the haloperidol-polymer material to flow into a mold for said implant. 
     
     
         20 . A method for treating a patient suffering from a psychotic condition or disease, the method comprising surgically implanting into said patient the implant of  claim 11 . 
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein the implant is implanted under the skin of a patient between the muscle and the dermis. 
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein said disease is schizophrenia.