Abstract: Disclosed is a sustained release system that includes a polymer and a pharmaceutically active agent dispersed in the polymer. The agent is in granular or particulate form, and has a rate of release from the system that is limited primarily by the rate at which the agent dissolves from the granules into the polymer matrix. Advantageously, the polymer is permeable to the agent and is non-release-rate-limiting with respect to the rate of release of the agent from the polymer.

Abstract: Implantable, injectable, insertable, or otherwise administrable compositions that form hydrogels when implanted, injected, inserted, or administered into or onto living tissues comprise a pharmaceutically effective compound wherein the pharmaceutically effective compound is a codrug, or pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug thereof in admixture with a hydrogel-forming compound. The pharmaceutically effective compound may be any compound that is soluble in bodily fluids, or that forms bodily fluid-soluble adducts when exposed to bodily fluids. Exemplary compounds include analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antibiotic compounds. The hydrogel-forming compound is a biologically tolerated substance that forms a hydrogel upon exposure to bodily fluids, such as the interstitial fluid surrounding or within a joint.

Abstract: An intraluminal medical device comprises a stent having a coating applied to at least part of an interior surface, an exterior surface, or both. The coating comprises a sustained release formulation of a combination of pharmaceutical compounds dispersed within a biologically tolerated polymer composition. The choice of the combination of pharmaceutical compounds are intended to reduce neointimal hyperplasia restenosis.

Abstract: An intraluminal medical device comprises a stent having a coating applied to at least part of an interior surface, an exterior surface, or both. The coating comprises a sustained release formulation of a combination of pharmaceutical compounds dispersed within a biologically tolerated polymer composition. The choice of the combination of pharmaceutical compounds are intended to reduce neointimal hyperplasia restenosis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel suspension delivery system for the sustained and controlled release of pharmaceuticals. Methods of preparation and use are also disclosed.

Abstract: A therapeutically effective compound is locally administered by associating the compound with a piece of orthopedic hardware that is implanted at an appropriate site within a body. The compound is adapted, such as through a sustained release device, to administer an effective dosage continuously over an extended period of time. The compound may be administered, for example, to a joint of a mammal by intraarticularly implanting a sustained release device to deliver the therapeutically effective compound within a synovial capsule of the joint, such that synovial fluid concentration of the compound is greater than plasma concentration of the compound. A wide range of orthopedic hardware, such as bone screws and staples, may be adapted to use in the systems described herein to provide treatment for a variety of medical conditions.

Abstract: The invention provides liquid controlled-release drug delivery compositions which gel upon injection into the body to form, in situ, controlled-release drug implants. The compositions of the invention feature a gel-forming polymer that is insoluble in water, a polyethylene glycol solvent in which the polymer is dissolved, and the drug substance to be delivered.

Abstract: A therapeutically effective compound is locally administered by associating the compound with a piece of orthopedic hardware that is implanted at an appropriate site within a body. The compound is adapted, such as through a sustained release device, to administer an effective dosage continuously over an extended period of time. The compound may be administered, for example, to a joint of a mammal by intraarticularly implanting a sustained release device to deliver the therapeutically effective compound within a synovial capsule of the joint, such that synovial fluid concentration of the compound is greater than plasma concentration of the compound. A wide range of orthopedic hardware, such as bone screws and staples, may be adapted to use in the systems described herein to provide treatment for a variety of medical conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to sustained release drug delivery systems, medical devices incorporating said systems, and methods of use and manufacture thereof. The inventive systems feature bioerodible drug delivery devices that include biocompatible solid and biocompatible fluid compositions to achieve desired sustained release drug delivery.

Abstract: The invention relates to codrugs having improved properties, methods for preparing and administering them, and methods of formulating and administering the codrugs as pharmaceutical preparations. In certain embodiments, the codrugs can be locally administered to deliver the constituent biologically active compound in a sustained-release fashion, reducing systemic concentrations of the biologically active compound.

Abstract: The systems and methods disclosed herein provide sustained delivery of a therapeutic agent for treating a patient, e.g., human, to obtain a desired local or systemic physiological or pharmacological effect. Method includes positioning the sustained released drug delivery system at an area wherein release of the agent is desired and allowing the agent to pass through the device to the desired area of treatment. In some embodiments, the method is for treating or reducing the risk of retroviral or lentiviral infection. In certain embodiments, the method is for preventing or reducing the risk of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, wherein the therapeutic agent is an antiviral agent.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sustained release system that includes a polymer and a pharmaceutically active agent dispersed in the polymer. The agent is in granular or particulate form, and has a rate of release from the system that is limited primarily by the rate at which the agent dissolves from the granules into the polymer matrix. Advantageously, the polymer is permeable to the agent and is non-release-rate-with limiting with respect to the rate of release of the agent from the polymer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sustained release system that includes a polymer, a nucleoside analog or prodrug or codrug thereof, and optionally one or more additives that reduce the rate of release of the drug from the polymer. The device using such inventive system permits improved drug delivery in a localized manner over a prolonged period of time.

Abstract: Implantable, injectable, insertable, or otherwise administrable compositions that form hydrogels when implanted, injected, inserted, or administered into or onto living tissues comprise a pharmaceutically effective compound wherein the pharmaceutically effective compound is a codrug, or pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug thereof in admixture with a hydrogel-forming compound. The pharmaceutically effective compound may be any compound that is soluble in bodily fluids, or that forms bodily fluid-soluble adducts when exposed to bodily fluids. Exemplary compounds include analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antibiotic compounds. The hydrogel-forming compound is a biologically tolerated substance that forms a hydrogel upon exposure to bodily fluids, such as the interstitial fluid surrounding or within a joint.

Abstract: The subject invention provides medical devices having a coating disposed on at least one surface, wherein the coating includes a polymer matrix and a low solubility anti-inflammatory corticosteroid formulation, or low solubility codrug or prodrug of an anti-inflammatory corticosteroid formulation.

Abstract: A therapeutically effective compound is locally administered by associating the compound with a piece of orthopedic hardware that is implanted at an appropriate site within a body. The compound is adapted, such as through a sustained release device, to administer an effective dosage continuously over an extended period of time. The compound may be administered, for example, to a joint of a mammal by intraarticularly implanting a sustained release device to deliver the therapeutically effective compound within a synovial capsule of the joint, such that synovial fluid concentration of the compound is greater than plasma concentration of the compound. A wide range of orthopedic hardware, such as bone screws and staples, may be adapted to use in the systems described herein to provide treatment for a variety of medical conditions.

Abstract: An intraluminal medical device comprises a stent having a coating applied to at least part of an interior surface, an exterior surface, or both. The coating comprises a sustained release formulation of a combination of pharmaceutical compounds dispersed within a biologically tolerated polymer composition. The choice of the combination of pharmaceutical compounds are intended to reduce neointimal hyperplasia restenosis.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sustained release system that includes a polymer and a prodrug having a solubility less than about 1 mg/ml dispersed in the polymer. Advantageously, the polymer is permeable to the prodrug and may be non-release rate limiting with respect to the rate of release of the prodrug from the polymer. This permits improved drug delivery within a body in the vicinity of a surgery via sustained release rate kinetics over a prolonged period of time, while not requiring complicated manufacturing processes.

Abstract: An implantable drug delivery system is provided including a mechanical member attachable to a portion of a body, a first chamber having an opening configured to receive a sustained release device, a sustained release device, and a removably attachable retainer for retaining the sustained release device in the first chamber. A method for administering a drug to a joint is provided including the steps of positioning a mechanical member in or adjacent a bone, the mechanical member configured to hold a sustained release drug delivery device bearing at least one drug, and outputting the at least one drug from the sustained release drug delivery device at a substantially controlled rate.

Abstract: A method and device for treating a mammalian organism to obtain a desired local or systemic physiological or pharmacological effect is provided. The method includes administering a sustained release drug delivery system to a mammalian organism in need of such treatment at an area wherein release of an effective agent is desired and allowing the effective agent to pass through the device in a controlled manner. The device includes an inner core or reservoir comprising the effective agent; a first coating layer, which is permeable to the passage of the effective agent; a second coating layer, which is essentially impermeable to the passage of the effective agent; and a third coating layer, which is permeable to the passage of the effective agent. The first coating layer covers at least a portion of the inner core.