MICROSPHERES OF BIODEGRADABLE POLYMERS AS A DRUG-DELIVERY SYSTEM IN THE VITREOUS

Microspheres of biodegradable polymers were evaluated as a potential controlled-release drug-delivery system in the vitreous. The microspheres were prepared with polymers of poly(lactic acid) or copolymers of glycolic acid and lactic acid. The release of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) from the microspheres was studied in vitro. Poly(lactic acid) microspheres released 70-85% of total 5-FU over 7 days. Microspheres of polymers with a smaller molecular weight released the drug more rapidly. Copolymer microspheres released 98% of 5-FU over 2 days. The rate of drug release was controllable by changing the molecular weight of the polymers or using a matrix of copolymer. The intravitreal kinetics of the microspheres were studied in ten rabbits in vivo. A suspension of microspheres was injected into the vitreous cavity of five normal eyes and five vitrectomized eyes. By 48 +/- 5.2 days after injection, the microspheres disappeared from the vitreous cavity in the five normal eyes. Clearance from the vitreous cavity was accelerated in the five rabbits that underwent vitrectomy (14 +/- 2.4 days; P < 0.001). No difference was found in the b waves of electroretinograms before and after injection of the microspheres. The histologic study showed no abnormal findings as a result of the injection. These results suggested that microspheres of biodegradable polymers may be a potential delivery system for the controlled release of drugs in the vitreous.