Abstract: Drug delivery devices and methods of controlled drug delivery to a patient are provided. The drug delivery device may include one or two microchip elements, each of which has a body portion with one or more drug release apertures in fluid communication with at least one containment reservoir. The drug release apertures are closed off by one or more reservoir caps which can be electrically activated to open the drug release apertures. The drug delivery device also includes (i) a drug formulation disposed in the at least one containment reservoir, and (ii) at least one drug-permeable membrane. In some cases, an outer housing is spaced a distance from an exterior wall of the body portion of the microchip element, the outer housing includes the at least one drug-permeable membrane, and a depot space is defined between the drug-permeable membrane and the exterior wall of the body portion of the microchip element.

Abstract: Implantable devices and methods for use in the treatment of osteonecrosisare provided. The device includes at least one implant device body adapted for insertion into one or more channels or voids in bone tissue; a plurality of discrete reservoirs, which may preferably be microreservoirs, located in the surface of the at least one implant device body; and at least one release system disposed in one or more of the plurality of reservoirs, wherein the release system includes at least one drug selected from the group consisting of bone growth promoters, angiogenesis promoters, analgesics, anesthetics, antibiotics, and combinations thereof. The device body may be formed of a bone graft material, a polymer, a metal, a ceramic, or a combination thereof. The device body may be a monolithic structure, such as one having a cylindrical shape, or it may be in the form of multiple units, such as a plurality of beads.

Abstract: Methods, formulations, and devices are provided for enhancing drug delivery from a medical device. The method is provided for increasing the rate or quantity of a drug formulation released from an implantable drug delivery device, which method comprises the step of providing a release-modifying agent within or proximate to the implantable drug delivery device, in a manner effective to inhibit gelation, aggregation, or precipitation of the drug formulation being released from the device. The drug formulation and the release-modifying agent may be stored together in at least one reservoir in the implantable drug deliver device. Alternatively, the release-modifying agent may be stored in one or more reservoirs separate from the drug formulation.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a method for preparing small spherical particles of an active agent by providing a solution in a single liquid phase. The single liquid phase comprises an active agent, a phase separation enhancing agent, and a first solvent. A phase change is induced at a controlled rate in the solution to cause a liquid-solid phase separation of the active agent and to form a solid phase and a liquid phase. The solid phase comprises solid small spherical particles of the active agent. The liquid phase comprises the phase separation enhancing agent and the solvent. The small spherical particles are substantially spherical and having a size from about 0.01 ?m to about 200 ?m.