Temporal control of drug release from biodegradable polymer: multicomponent diclofenac sodium releasing PLGA 80/20 rod.

In our previous studies we have reported on the development of diclofenac sodium (DS) releasing rods. However, their drug release profiles were unsatisfactory. To enhance the drug release properties of the implant, we have developed a system whereby various elements can be combined into one implant. Melt extruded, self-reinforced (SR), and sterilized (S) DS-containing SR-PLGA 80/20 billets were combined to produce multicomponent implants with various compositions. These components were basically heat pressed together to form multicomponent rods. Drug release from single component and multicomponent rods was defined using a UV-Vis spectrophotometer. DS was released from individual components within 82-111 days and from multicomponent rods within 50-70 days. Thermal properties were analyzed using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The melting temperature (T(m)) of multicomponent implants was about 157 degrees C, change in heat fusion (DeltaH) was 13.3 J/g, and the glass transition temperature (T(g)) was 55.4 degrees C. Mechanical strength was measured for 2 weeks and it decreased from 55 to 15 MPa. In conclusion, by compression molding three components with different release rates it is possible to control the temporal release from multicomponent rods. Released DS concentrations were within range for 49-74 days depending on the fractions of individual components used. (c) 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.