Design, preparation and characterization of novel poly-lactic-co-glycolic acid‑hyaluronic acid implants containing triptorelin acetate

Abstract

Hormones and their derivatives are widely used to treat different types of diseases such as prostate cancer which is treated by agonists of gonadotropin‑releasing hormone. Triptoreline salts are the first therapeutics of this group launched into the market in the form of microparticles (microspheres). Implants, as one of attractive injectable dosage forms, have many advantages over multi‑particulate systems. Some of these advantages are dose adjustability, drug absorption improvement, constant release profile, etc. In this research, a new composite of poly‑lactic‑co‑glycolic acid and hyaluronic acid was designed and prepared in the form of implants containing triptorelin acetate for administration as an injection under the skin (subcutaneously) in arm or thigh area. The manufactured implants characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermas gravimetric analysis, X‑ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy to assess different aspects of structure and morphology. The drug release profile was assessed by high performance liquid chromatography. These characterizations confirmed that the newly designed drug delivery has a good stability during manufacturing process. The release pattern of the implant was also studied and revealed that the release of the model drug follows a zero‑order and erosion mechanism. The compatibility between the components of the newly designed implants and the release profile of the delivery system make it a promising device for drug delivery.