Patent ID: 6689390
Filing Date: 2004-02-10
Classification: A61K,Y10S

Abstract:
A method for administering a therapeutic or prophylactic agent comprising administering to a patient a matrix,wherein the matrix is formed of a biocompatible polymer having incorporated therein a therapeutic or prophylactic agent and an effective amount of a hydrophobic or amphiphilic compound to modify the diffusion of water into the matrix and the release of the therapeutic or prophylactic agent from the matrix, wherein the drug is released over shorter periods of time as compared to release from a matrix not incorporating the hydrophobic or amphiphilic compound, wherein the matrix is formed by a method comprising (a) dissolving the biocompatible polymer in a solvent, (b) adding the hydrophobic or amphiphilic compound, the therapeutic or prophylactic agent to be incorporated and a pore forming agent to the polymer solution, wherein the pore forming agent is a volatile salt, (c) emulsifying, and (d) then removing the solvent and the pore forming agent to produce a matrix.