| abstract |
A synthetic resin matrix system for the delayed and extended duration delivery of drugs to humans and animals is disclosed consisting of a polymer, such as poly(2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate), referred to as PHEMA, an organic solvent, such as polyethylene glycol (PEG), and a hydrogen binding plasticizer, such as dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO). The plasticizer regulates the set-up time of the synthetic resin so that the more plasticizer present, the shorter the set-up time. The plasticizer also has a direct shortening effect upon the cure time and also profoundly influences many of the physical characteristics of the resultant synthetic resin matrix system. A variety of drugs can be embodied in the fabricated matrix system and administered to the patient (or animal) by different modes of application, including but not limited to oral, topical, rectal, subcutaneous implant, or organ-specific implant such as in the conjunctival sac of the eye. These formulations and procedures can also be utilized in the storage and extended-duration delivery of agricultural products, particularly herbicides, insecticides, and nutritional supplements. By manipulating the relative concentrations of the components of the matrix system and the particle size of the embedded active agent, it is possible to control the release dynamics of the active embodied agent from the matrix and thus provide unique controlled delayed and extended delivery of the active agent. |