Abstract
Polymer‐based controlled release formulations for parenteral administration are of ongoing
academic and industrial interest. Microencapsulation concepts developed in the 80s and 90s of
the last century (Ogawa et al 1988a) led to injectable particulate depot formulations, e.g., for
leuprolide acetate (Lupron® Depot, Enantone®, Trenantone®) and goserelin acetate (Zoladex)
as peptide drugs, that are accepted standard therapies in the clinic. Preformed drug loaded
implants can be injected subcutaneously or administered during surgery for a local drug
release, e.g., carmustine loaded wafers (Gliadel®) in the treatment of glioblastoma, one of the
most aggressive types of cancer. More recently, in‐situ forming implants received US FDA
approval and are available for treatment of prostate cancer with leuprolide (Eligard®) and of
periodontal disease with doxycycline (Atridox®). Commercial success of such matrix polymerbased
drug delivery systems is expected to depend not only on their clinical performance in the
respective therapeutic application, but also on several other aspects such as the convenience of
treatment for the patient and/or marketing strategies, to name only two.
DOI Link to Publication