The utilization of biodegradable polymers has come a long way during the past few decades. As science and engineering continue to evolve, so do the advancements with utilizing biodegradable polymers in drug delivery. Let’s examine some key aspects.

Starting with the Basics: What Are Biodegradable Polymers?

A biodegradable polymer is engineered to deteriorate over time. These specific polymers have a high molecular weight that depreciates to a lower molecular weight after its intended function. Essentially, once these polymers have served their purpose with appropriate response from the host, they are broken down and eliminated from the body.

Biodegradable polymers are produced both naturally and synthetically. The two most common natural biodegradable polymers include proteins and polysaccharides. Synthetic biodegradable polymers consist of amides, ethers, urethanes, and other esters.

PLA and PLGA are two common biocompatible and biodegradable polymers. These FDA-approved polymers have been used in medical devices, such as microspheres. One of the major benefits of working with biodegradable polymers, such as PLA and PLGA, is that they can be used to encapsulate just about any type of drug, including:

• Proteins
• Peptides
• Polypeptides
• Small molecules

In addition to using biodegradable polymers in controlled drug delivery, they can also be used for the following applications:

Why Are Biodegradable Polymers Effective?

Whether biodegradable polymers are natural or synthetic, they have unique biocompatible properties that allow them to decompose inside the body by natural, nontoxic byproducts such as carbon dioxide or water. One benefit to synthetic biodegradable polymers is that they can be produced with a wide range of mechanical, physical, and chemical properties that can be modified. Because these specific polymers can be synthesized by reproducing the same polymer, they have endless availability.

Naturally occurring biodegradable polymers are just as effective as synthetic in that they offer temporary support and aid in controlled release factors throughout the body. Some other major advantages of using biodegradable polymers in drug delivery include:

• Ability to adjust the degradation rates and mechanical properties to form into various configurations
• Decreased need for successive surgical removal, which overall saves money and time
• Sterilizable properties that can be easily processed by the host
• Modifiable surfaces

Biodegradable Polymers at Oakwood Labs

Oakwood Labs is a leader in the pharmaceutical industry providing manufacturing services and contract development. Our state-of-the-art technology allows us to be experts with biodegradable polymers in drug delivery.

At Oakwood labs, we utilize biodegradable polymers such as PLGA, PLA, and other polymers that demonstrate low toxicity. These biodegradable polymers are used in our long acting injectables, which are based upon our technology platform Chroniject™. Our patented microsphere technology is a polymer-based injectable microsphere system for drug delivery.

Other advantages of our technology used for biodegradable polymers in drug delivery include:

• Sourced from multiple suppliers
• Quick and effective development of formulations using small scale batches
• Easily scalable formulations
• Controlled process parameters
• Proven lot-to-lot reproducibility
• Molecule compatibility (peptides, proteins, and small molecules)
• Adjustable release durations ranging from one week to one year
• Exceptional stability
• Immediate reconstitution with WFI with no special diluent needed
• Versatile use in multiple therapeutic applications (neurology, depression, CNS, ophthalmology)

Contact Us Regarding Our Biodegradable Polymers in Drug Delivery

At Oakwood Labs, we have over 20 years of experience with drug encapsulation, which has propelled us to being a leader in sustained release drug delivery. When it comes to using biodegradable polymers in drug delivery, our advanced technology provides the ability to customize release duration ranging from weeks to years.

If you’re interested in learning more about biodegradable polymers, reach out to our team today.

When caring for patients, it is critical to use medical treatments that are not only effective but also seamlessly incorporate into their lifestyles. With the risks associated with pills and the need for a regular routine, medical personnel often will turn to long-acting injectable antipsychotics for patient treatment due to the approach’s benefits.

Long-acting injectable antipsychotic drugs are commonly used for patients who experience unpleasant adverse side effects of antipsychotic drugs and are hesitant to believe they have a mental illness. While this form of medicine does not require the daily administration that other antipsychotics do, they are able produce relief to patients in need.

Administering Long-Acting Injectable Antipsychotics

Long-acting injectable antipsychotics can be utilized with diverse medications, making them ideal for patients suffering from an assortment of issues. Along with this, long-acting injectable antipsychotics are often administered in two-, three- or four-week intervals, but treatments can vary based on the patient’s needs. Time between injections also differs based upon the administered drug and its ability to stay within the system.

Candidates for this treatment often include patients with a history of non-adherence, severe symptoms, comorbid substance abuse, and cognitive impairment. Additionally, this method is extremely beneficial to patients who experience ambivalence or negative attitudes toward medications.

Why Long-Acting Injectable Antipsychotics Are Ideal for Patients

There are many advantages to using long-acting injectable antipsychotics on eligible individuals, as they can improve the lives and routines of patients in the following ways:

• Reduced accountability – In order for medications to work best, it is important for patients to take them every day according to instructions. Since long-acting injectable antipsychotics stay in the system for extended periods of time, they reduce the need for a daily reminder to take the drug.

• Regularity – By using long-acting injectable antipsychotics, the need for medical appointments increases. This creates regular interactions between the patient and medical staff, creating a more comfortable environment, providing more social interactions, and solidifying a routine.

• Stability – The long-acting injectable method treats patients with more stable plasma concentrations than oral medications. It also lessens the frequency of having peak plasma levels, which can result in fewer side effects for the patient. Lastly, it reduces relapse frequency and rehospitalization rates, making it a great alternative for those who are prone to hospital visits already.

• Safety – Since long-acting injectable antipsychotic drugs are administered by medical personnel, they are safer for patients. The approach reduces the risk of accidental or deliberate overdose through the use of regulated injections that work gradually over time.

Oakwood Labs Is Ready to Help You Produce Long-Acting Injectable Antipsychotics and More

Oakwood Labs is a leading manufacturer of sustained-release pharmaceuticals with over 20 years of drug encapsulation experience. We offer support throughout the phases of long-acting injectable development, ultimately achieving a product that provides enhanced therapeutic benefits to patients everywhere.

In our facilities, we can provide the following to help achieve your project goals, including those involving long-acting injectable antipsychotics:

• Pre-formulation development
• Feasibility studies
• Scaling formulation
• Toxicology batch manufacturing
• ICH compliant stability tests
• Phase I, II, and III clinical trial manufacturing
• GMP manufacturing (commercial and aseptic)

Contact Us Today to Learn More!

Long-acting injectable antipsychotics are a way to steadily prevent the intense symptoms associated with mental illnesses. Using this approach has the ability to put patients on the path to a stable and successful life.

The team at Oakwood Labs is ready to help with the development of your long-acting injectable antipsychotic drugs. Please reach out today and get started on your project with us!