Traditional Dosage Research Articles

A Bird Eye View on Natural Gums and Mucilage used in Drug Delivery System

Natural mucilage is utilized in drug delivery systems (DDS) to accomplish a variety of duties, including directly or indirectly regulating the rate and amount of drug release in specific circumstances. Gums are biomolecules composed of carbohydrates that may attract water and form gels. Proteins and minerals are typically found in the creation of the gums. Gums exist in a number of types, including mucilage gums, seed gums, exudate gums, and others. Plant gums are among the most important gums because of their bioavailability. Excipients are being used in unique dosage forms to fill specific tasks as a result of advances in drug delivery technology. In some cases, these additives have a direct or indirect effect on the amount and/or rate of drug release and absorption. Given the present trend toward the use of natural goods derived from plants, the substitution of synthetic additives with natural ones is important. The world is getting increasingly interested in natural drugs and excipients. Natural mucilage has advantages over synthetic mucilage because it is more easily available, less expensive, and chemically inert. They now compete with several polymeric materials for use as diverse drugs and have advanced from being an excipient to cutting-edge drug carriers. Extensive research has gone into the development of safe and effective natural-based mucilage particulate drug delivery systems. Natural gums and mucilage are examined, as well as their isolation, purification, standardization, and characterization properties, as well as their applications. This article provides an overview of natural excipients used in both traditional dosage forms and innovative drug delivery systems.

“FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF TRANSDERMAL PATCH OF AMLODIPIN BESYLATE”

A Transdermal patch is a medicated adhesive patch that is placed on the skin to deliver a distinct dose of medication through the skin and into the blood stream. The transdermal drug delivery system is one of novel drug delivery system which overcomes arise from the traditional dosage form. The preformulation studies involves description, solubility, melting point of the drug were found to be comparable with the standard. Based on the preformulation studies the drug was suitable for making the transdermal formulation. In this transdermal drug delivery system F5 was having greater % drug release. The formulation F5 shows better extended release up to 24hrs when compared to other formulations. So it was concluded that the formulation F5 prepared by using Eudragit RS100 and HPMC is the better formulation for control release of drug up to 24hrs of time. However, the best formulation F-5 follows first order kinetics and the mechanism of diffusion. Results of the present study encouraged that it can be used as controlled drug delivery system and frequency of administration can be minimized.

Origin, development, and modern application value of Chinese herbal lozenges

Lozenge is one of the traditional dosage forms of Chinese medicine. It has been recorded in traditional Chinese medical classics of all dynasties since the Eastern Han Dynasty and has been developing and evolving continuously. The unique pharmaceutical methods and application scope are the driving force of its emergence, existence, and development. Up to now, lozenge has been included in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia as an independent dosage form. Lozenge has been endowed with new meaning by modern Chinese medicine pharmaceutics, which is worth tracing origin and exploring value. The present study reviewed the origin and development of lozenge, compared lozenge with other similar dosage forms, analyzed the characteristics of modern and ancient dosage forms of lozenge, and discussed the development prospect and potential of lozenge in combination with the demand development of modern Chinese medicine preparation, so as to provide references for expanding the modern application of lozenge.

Optimization of Process and Formulation Variables for Semha-Pinas Extract Effervescent Tablets Using the Box-Behnken Design.

Semha-Pinas (SHPN) is a Thai traditional herbal formula used as an expectorant. Its traditional dosage form is pills, which are dispersed in water before use. The development of this recipe to effervescent tablets could enhance patient convenience with shortened the time needed to disintegrate the active ingredients. This work aimed to develop SHPN extract effervescent tablets based on process and formulation optimization using the Box-Behnken design. Four levels of three independent variables, including a compressional force, a quantity of effervescent base, and a quantity of fumed silica, were screened using the one factor at a time method. Three levels of each independent variable were included in the Box-Behnken design, including 1000 - 2000psi, 46 - 52%, and 1.67 - 3.33%, respectively. Four responses were monitored, including tablet thickness, hardness, disintegration time, and friability. In terms of design space, the results showed that the tablet hardness was not less than 5kP, disintegration time was not more than 5min, and friability was not more than 1% found when 2000psi compressional force was used. The optimal parameters were a compressional force of 2000psi, effervescent base of 50%, and fumed silica of 2.5%. This formulation had a tablet weight of 598.86 ± 0.05mg, a diameter of 12.68 ± 0.01mm, a thickness of 3.67 ± 0.01mm, a hardness of 5.57 ± 0.22 kP, a disintegration time of 1.68 ± 0.04min, and friability of 0.43 ± 0.02%. In conclusion, this work succeeded in developing SHPN extract effervescent tablets with desired properties that were easy to use. Furthermore, the time needed to disintegrate the active ingredients was decreased when compared with the traditional dosage form due to being easily dissolved in water.

Aquasomes: A novel approach for the delivery of bioactive molecules

In recent years, nanoscience has drug development and has taken a new slant, that have proven difficult with traditional dosage forms in drug delivery.Nanoparticles, liposomes, niosomes, quantum dots and Aquasomes are the examples of nanomaterials are just a few examples of nanobiotechnologically created carrier systems. The nano-particulate self-assembled carrier system is anew approachas well as ideal choice for the administration of drugs. Aquasomes proved to be important drug delivery system of ceramic nanoparticles.These are three-tiered framework composed of a core made of solid crystals and adsorbed biologically active drug molecules are coated with carbohydrates.Aquasomes formulations are typically administered via the intravenous route.Aquasomes have the ability to maintain conformational consistency and have a high level of exposure to the surface, making them ideal for the transportation of molecules made up of peptides as well as vaccine and gene delivery to specific sites.

Coptis chinensis polysaccharides dynamically influence the paracellular absorption pathway in the small intestine by modulating the intestinal mucosal immunity microenvironment

Background: Traditional Chinese Medicine decoctions (TCMDs) can be used to prepare outstanding pharmaceutical preparations by the patient themselves. Small molecular active ingredients and macromolecular polysaccharides are inevitably co-existed in TCMDs. Different from the pharmacological synergies among small molecules, the macromolecular polysaccharides in TCMDs might contribute to disease treatment in several ways, although it is frequently overlooked.Hypothesis/Purpose: This study proposes that the oral bioavailability of the water-insoluble alkaloids of Coptis chinensis Franch. (Ranunculaceae) (C. chinensis) decoction may be attributed to the co-existing C. chinensis polysaccharides (CCPs) dynamically influencing the small intestine microenvironment and regulating the modulation of the paracellular absorption pathway.Methods: First, the effects of CCPs on the oral bioavailability of the main active ingredient of C. chinensis, berberine, were evaluated in vivo. Next, a series of in situ experimental models of intestinal perfusion and models of isolated jejunal mucosa, Caco-2 cell monolayer membranes, and microfold-like cells were established to assess the correlation among CCPs, intestinal mucosal immunity, and paracellular absorption in the small intestine.Results: It was observed that CCPs could be endocytosed by the microfold cells on the surface of Peyer's patches, allowing CCPs to activate the lymphocytes, modulate the balance of Th1/Th2, control the secretion of immune effectors IFN-γ and IL-4, and finally regulate the tight junctions in the intestinal epithelial cells. This was a dynamic process with the movement of CCPs in the gastrointestinal tract that altered the flora distribution and functioning of the TLR/NF-κB signal pathway in the small intestine.Conclusion: The dynamical regulation of CCP on the immune microenvironment of small intestine is responsible for its promotion on the health controlling effects of C. chinensis in traditional dosage forms of decoction.

Formulation Optimization and In Vitro Characterization of Granisetronloaded Polylactic-co-glycolic Acid Microspheres Prepared by a Dropping-in-liquid Emulsification Technique.

Traditional dosage forms of granisetron (GRN) decrease patient compliance associated with repeated drug administration because of the short half-life of the drug. In this study, novel GRN-loaded Polylactic-co-glycolic Acid (PLGA) sustained-release microspheres were prepared for the first time via a dropping-in-liquid emulsification technique. The effects of various factors, such as pH of the outer phase, Tween 80, Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) concentrations, and hardening process, on the Encapsulation Efficiency (EE), Drug Loading (DL), and particle size of microspheres were extensively studied. The physicochemical properties, including drug release, surface morphology, crystallinity, thermal changes, and molecular interactions, were also studied. GRN has a pH-dependent solubility and it exhibits a remarkably high solubility under acidic condition. The EE of the alkaline medium (pH 8) was higher than that of the acidic medium (pH 4.0). EE and DL decreased in the presence of Tween 80 in the outer phase, whereas EE significantly increased during hardening. The particle size of microspheres was not affected by PVA and Tween 80 concentrations, but it was influenced by PVA volume and hardening. X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry results showed that the physical state of the drug changed from a crystalline form to an amorphous form, thereby confirming that the drug was encapsulated into the PLGA matrix. Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy confirmed that some molecular interactions occurred between the drug and the polymer. GRN-loaded PLGA microspheres showed sustained release profiles of over 90% on week 3. GRN-loaded PLGA microspheres with sustained-release were successfully prepared, and they exhibited a relatively high EE without Tween 80 as an emulsifier and with the hardening process.

ADVANTAGES OF NOVEL DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEM AND SILVER NANOPARTICLES FOR HERBAL DRUGS; AND MEDICINAL IMPORTANCE OF Crotalaria burhia PLANT: A REVIEW

Herbal or natural medicines have been used since ancient time due to easy availability and less side effects. Still 80% population of developing countries uses herbal medicines to treat common diseases. The Crotalaria burhia plant is shrub having several chemical constituents like flavonoids, hormones, alkaloids phenolic compounds and terpenes etc. It traditionally used for fever, inflammation, chronic kidney pain, cancer, general bacterial infections, fungal infections, gout, cough, arthritis, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, and typhoid etc. It has also been used in cattle for the removal of placenta after delivery. Due to traditional dosage formulation a few amount of drug reach to its target tissue. In recent past, Phyto-pharmaceutical work leads to new medicine delivery methods for example nanoparticles, microparticles, nano-suspension and liposome’s etc. For herbal medicine, this unique medication delivery mechanism enhances stability, solubility, absorption, bioavailability and therapeutic effect. The carrier in nano dosage forms increases the drug concentration at targeted tissue due to which systemic side effects can be reduced. Silver nanoparticles have been emerged as a potent component of novel drug delivery system because silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) have its own antimicrobial and anticancer activities but they are non-toxic to human body. Ag NPs synthesized by natural plant extracts have shown enhanced anticancer and antimicrobial activities. The silver nanoparticles exert its antimicrobial and anticancer activity by disrupting cell wall permeability and cellular respiration. Recently use of Ag NPs has been increased to overcome the antibiotics resistance. Silver nanoparticles have ability to sterilize the hospital items. This new method of drug delivery is a protective way for administration of herbal drugs to target tissues. 

A New Mode of Thinfilm and Nanofiber for Burst Release of the Drug for Alzheimer Disease; A Complete Scenario from Dispersible Polymer to Formulation Methodology.

Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is usually caused by intellectual deterioration which occurs due to the degeneration of cholinergic neurons. Donepezil is employed for cholinesterase enzyme Inhibition (ChEI) to treat AD in a wider population. Over the years, researchers finding difficulties prompted through traditional dosage forms particularly in geriatric patience. To avoid swallowing difficulties brought about with the aid of the AD population, researchers majorly focused on Oral Thin-Film technology (OTF). This technology strongly eliminates issues caused by solid oral dosage forms. It is one of the quality strategies to alternate a drug that is used in the first-pass metabolism or pre systematic metabolism. The solubility of the drug is a bigger problem and it can expand by way of lowering particle size. Nanofibers are need of the day to minimize the drug particles at the submicron stage which can increase the drug release rate drastically. It can be prepared by Electrospinning technology by incorporating polymeric material into poorly soluble drugs. Mostly natural and biodegradable polymers prefer in all pharmaceutical preparations. Polymers employed for oral delivery should be stable, possess mucoadhesive properties, and should release the drug by diffusion, degradation, and swelling mechanism. The objective of the present review explains various thin-film and nanofiber formulations used for faster drug release in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

Formulation and Evaluation of Colon Specific Pulsatile Drug Delivery System of Zidovudine

Traditional dosage forms are vastly outclassed by PDDS (pulsatile drug delivery systems). It is more effective than regular doses since it is delivered at the proper time, location, and dose. After a lag period, the medication is delivered as a whole pulse. The release profile of these products is sigmoid. Chronopharmacological drugs and pharmaceuticals with a first-pass effect benefit from these systems. The early research of zidovudine as an anticancer therapy had mediocre results, thus it is presently utilised to treat HIV-infected individuals as a thymidine analogue. For the medicine Zidovudine, a colon-specific pulsatile drug delivery system was developed and assessed across a range of parameters. Proved Zidovudine's colon-specific administration, the pill demonstrates a five-hour lag time with 5 per cent drug release and 99 per cent in 24 h.

Formulation and in-vitro Evaluation of Carvedilol Gastroretentive Capsule as (Superporous Hydrogel)

The preferred route of drug administration is the oral route, but drugs with narrow absorption window in the gastrointestinal tract are still challenging. The ability to extend and monitor the gastric emptying time is a valuable tool for processes remaining in the stomach longer than other traditional dosage forms.
 The purpose of this study was to formulate and evaluate gastroretentive superporous hydrogel (SPH) of carvedilol with view to improve its solubility and increase gastric residence time in order to get sustained release formulas via utilization of various kinds and concentrations of hydrophilic polymers then after, incorporate the best prepared formula into capsules.
 Sixteenth formulae of SPH hybrid were prepared by gas blowing technique from the following materials; monomers (Poly vinyl alcohol, and Acrylamide), cross-linkers (Methylene bisacrylamide, and glutaraldehyde), hybrid agent (Chitosan), foaming agent (NaHCO3) and foam stabilizer (Tween 80). Different amounts or concentrations of these materials were utilized to investigate their effect on SPH properties (density, porosity, floating, drug content, drug release, swelling time, and swelling ratio). The soaking procedure was utilized for loading of carvedilol into SPH hybrid (6.25mg/2.5g SPH).
 After analysis the results statistically and application the similarity factor (f2) equation, formula F8 was selected as the best formula and incorporated into capsules.
 The drug release data were applied to different mathematical kinetics and the results were shown to be fitted to Higuchi model and the release mechanism was (non fickian) diffusion.
 The overall results suggested that the proposed SPH hybrid drug delivery system is encouraging for carvedilol specific delivery to the stomach.

UTILITY OF HERB MINERAL DRUGS AND THEIR PHARMACEUTICAL APPLICATIONS WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO PANCHAKARMA

Panchakarma forms an integral part of the holistic system of medicine, Ayurveda. Not only the body purification procedures but also the pharmaceutical preparations affect the outcome of Panchakarma therapy. Although Panchakarma and Rasashastra are not included in the Ashtanga Hridaya, their utility is found in all the eight branches. This article deals with the Rasadravyas meant for Panchakarma procedures like Vamana, Virechana, Basti, Nasya, Abhyanga, Dhuma, Lepa etc. To have a critical review of Herbomineral drugs and their Pharmaceutical Application with special reference to Panchakarma. The ancient Ayurvedic literature as well as modern references was searched to have a critical study of the herbomineral drugs, their pharmaceutical preparations, Panchakarma procedures, rationale of using Rasadravyas in Snehakalpanas, classical as well as the traditional dosage forms. Also the selection of formulations according to Dosha- Pradhanya, Vyadhi-Pradhanya (Pradhana/ Mridu Shodhana), Shamana, Brimhana and Rasayana has been discussed at length. These Rasaushadhi preparations are used internally (for Deepana, Pachana, Snehapana, Shodhana, Shamana, Brimhana) or externally (Abhyanga, Kavala, Gandusha, Karnapurana, Moordhni Taila

Traditional Practices, Formulations and Dosages of Medicinal Plants: A Survey in Faridpur District of Bangladesh

Nature is a storehouse of enormous remedies and plants, as a part of nature, have a long history of cured different ailments of human beings. The present ethnobotanical survey found that the people of Faridpur district preferred a total of 26 plant species for their traditional healthcare systems. The recorded plant species were belongs to 22 families, and only Asteraceae, Euphorbiaceae and Piperaceae families possess more than one species to use. As for plant habits, 62% of species on the list were herbaceous and tree. Leaves and fruits were mostly useable parts as traditional medicines. The highest number of ailments for traditional practice was found related to skin problems (19%) following external injury (15%) and stomach related problems (13%). The amount of dosages and the mode of application also were included in this report. In total 52 traditional practices with 7 new records from Bangladesh were listed. Moreover, the new generations were found to be comparatively less interested in traditional health care systems than the older people. It was the first attempt to explore the traditional values of some medicinal plants with their mode of applications from this region.

A REVIEW ON AN EMERGIN TREND BILAYER FLOATING DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEM

NDDS is advanced drug delivery system which improves drug potency, control drug release to give a sustained therapeutic effect, provide greater safety, finally it is to target a drug specifically to a desired tissue. Novel drug delivery system have been developed to overcome the limitation of conventional drug delivery systems, such as of gastric retention by decreasing fluctuations in the concentration of the drug in blood,resulting in the reduction in unwanted toxicity and poor efficiency. As compared to traditional dosage forms bilayer tablets are more efficient for sequential release of two drugs that can be different or identical. Bilayer tablet is also capable of separating two incompatible substances and also for sustained release. Gastro retentive drug delivery system retains the period of dosage forms in the stomach or upper gastro intes-tinal tract ,as to improve bioavailability and the therapeutic efficacy of the drugs. Mainly the bilayer drug delivery system is suitable for drugs whose therapethic windows are narrow in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and also they have low elimination half life: 3-4 h. The purpose of this review is to disclose the challenges faced during the formulation of bilayer tablets. Finally, the whole article is firmly analyzed in a concluding paragraph. KEYWORDS: Conventional drug delivery systems, Bilayer tablet, Gastro retentive, Bioavailability

APPROACHES TO NANO-BASED VACCINES TOWARDS SARS-COV-2 MANAGEMENT

For a year now, since the world began to be struck with the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, incidents of the outbreak are still increasing at an alarming rate considering that the virus has evolved and new strains have come out. The urgency for treatment of this SARS-CoV-2 has triggered the pharmaceutical companies to produce and manufacture antiviral medications and diagnostic tools. Since 2004, the pharmaceutical companies have been studying and discovering the great potential of nanotechnology for drug therapy. Nano-based drug delivery has gained an edge in disease management and has proven a pronounced and fast therapeutic activity over the traditional dosage form especially on the nanomedicines employed currently for coronavirus treatment. Reviewed in this article are the important characteristic nature of nanoparticles including the various nanomaterials that can be employed for its drug design that delivers optimum therapeutic activity. Also, the mechanism of how nanodecoys work in trapping and inhibiting viral entry as well as nano-based vaccines. Presently, nano-based vaccines have been formulated which showed a great extent of activity towards eliciting enhanced immunity. And now, these vaccines have been distributed worldwide after undergoing Phase II and Phase III clinical trials. Statistics showed that millions of the individuals worldwide have received the vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 from the different pharmaceutical companies. With the recent positive advancements on nanomedicine therapies, the possibility of complete eradication of any diseases most particularly the current SARS-CoV-2 scare will be materialized. Hence, nanoparticles truly plays a huge contribution in the possible success for the complete treatment of coronavirus infection. In this article, the important contributions and advantages of the use of nanotechnology in the formulation of vaccines are highlighted as a promising medication to help fight against the attack of SARS-CoV-2.

Ethno medical knowledge and traditional use of Aristolochia bracteolata Lam. for malaria among local communities in Jubek State of South Sudan: A cross-sectional survey

Ethnopharmacological relevanceThe recognized challenges to access conventional antimalarial medicines could have contributed to the extensive use of Aristolochia bracteolata Lam. (Aristolochiaceae)to manage malaria in South Sudan traditionally. However, the use and acquired experiences are notwell documented. Aim of the studyThis study aimed to document the traditional use of A. bracteolata for malaria treatment and experiences among the local communities in Jubek State of South Sudan. MethodsWe performed a cross-sectional study in four counties in Jubek State and interviewed 396 community members, including traditional healers, using a semi-structured questionnaire. Four focused group discussions (FGDs) were also conducted using the interviewer guide. The inclusion criteria were; adults 18 years and older, men andwomen participants, at least one year residing in the study area before the study, and those with a history of medicinal plant use. Data were summarized and presented as proportions. Qualitative data were analyzed using a thematic content approach. The major themes that emerged were discussed. We applied the Pearson Chi-Square test at α = 0.05 to test the study's significant differences in responses. The statistical package for social sciences version 21 software was used for data analysis. ResultsWomen accounted for 208 (52.5%) of participants, with the majority 321 (81.1%) were between 18 and 45 years. Interestingly, most 312 (78.8%) had formal education. Moreover, about 208 (52.5%) participants collect the plant in their vicinity, where leaves were the most commonly used part 277 (46.4%), followed by the roots, seeds, and stems at 245(41.0%), 71 (11.9%), and 4 (0.7%), respectively. Furthermore, about 63 (15.9%) of the participants experienced side effects, including early abortions, heartburns, sweating, and stomach discomforts. Conversely, a total of 387 (96.0%) reported getting cured of malaria. Generally, the quantity of medicine taken per day differs concerning parts of the plant, with leaves ranging from 1 to 10 pieces, roots at 0.4–1 g, and seeds at 0.1–0.5 g. The locals used these plant parts to prepare infusion and decoction traditional dosage forms for oral use. ConclusionThe documented medicinal plant's therapeutic uses provided critical information on the traditional use of A. bracteolata by the community in Jubek state of South Sudan to treat malaria. Although most users reported getting cured of malaria, a notable proportion of them experienced side effects, including early-stage abortion and stomach discomforts. Thus, the use of A. bracteolata preparations, particularly in pregnant women, should be avoided. Finally, further studies are needed to devise a strategy to neutralize the toxic compounds and create community awareness on best practices to minimize side effects.

TAT-modified tetramethylpyrazine-loaded nanoparticles for targeted treatment of spinal cord injury

Tetramethylpyrazine (TMP) has been effectively used for treating spinal cord injury (SCI) due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective activity. However, its clinical application is limited due to poor water solubility and insufficient spinal cord targeting through the traditional dosage forms. Given that intravascular neutrophils are quickly recruited to the injury site as part of the inflammatory response in SCI, we conjugated the cell-penetrating HIV trans-activator of transcription (TAT) peptide to human serum albumin nanoparticles (NPs) to make a TMP delivery system (TAT-TMP-NPs) that could be internalized by neutrophils and delivered to SCI lesions. Results found that in SCI rats TAT-TMP-NPs promoted the recovery of locomotor function and the lesion area, while reducing the levels of inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress-related factors. Safety evaluation and in vivo small-animal imaging showed that the cell-penetrating peptide TAT could enhance the uptake of TAT-TMP-NPs by neutrophils without being toxic to the body. TAT-TMP-NPs may overcome the poor water solubility and low bioavailability of TMP, showing promise for the clinical treatment of SCI.

Drug-Excipients Compatibility Studies in Proniosomal Formulation: A Case Study with Resveratrol.

Proniosomal drug delivery system is one of the advancements in nanotechnology. Similarly to traditional dosage forms, chemical and physical compatibility of proniosomes components with the active ingredient(s) is a key step in the preformulation process of such systems. In this work, the compatibility of resveratrol with selected excipients in the development of proniosomal formulation was investigated by thermal and spectroscopic techniques. To evaluate the drug-excipient compatibility, different techniques such as differential scanning calorimetric study, attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy study and powder X-ray diffraction were adopted. The results showed that the excipients used in the formulation were compatible with resveratrol.

Insight into traditional dosage forms in light of Ayurvedic pharmaceutics

Insight into traditional dosage forms in light of Ayurvedic pharmaceutics

Cross-linked valerolactone copolymer implants with tailorable biodegradation, loading and in vitro release of paclitaxel

Implantable drug delivery systems, formed from degradable and non-degradable polymers, can offer several advantages over traditional dosage forms for sustained drug delivery. The majority of degradable implant systems developed to date are composed of poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA). However, PLGA-based systems are not suitable for the delivery of all drugs. Each drug is unique in terms of physico-chemical properties, and polymer-drug compatibility plays a significant role in determining a drug formulation's performance. In this study, two novel cross-linkable δ-valerolactone-based copolymers were synthesized and used to prepare cross-linked disc-shaped implants. The manipulation of the composition of the discs and conditions used during drug loading were found to influence various aspects of the delivery system performance including the degree of swelling, degradation, drug-loading and in vitro release. The polymeric discs resulted in no adverse effects following subcutaneous implantation in naïve rats. These studies support further development of cross-linkable valerolactone matrices as implantable formulations for sustained drug delivery.