Clonidine compounds in a biodegradable matrix

摘要

Effective treatments of pain for extended periods of time are provided. Through the administration of an effective amount of clonidine in a matrix at or near a target site, one can relieve pain caused by diverse sources, including but not limited to spinal disc herniation (i.e. sciatica), spondilothesis, stenosis, discogenic back pain and joint pain, as well as pain that is incidental to surgery. When appropriate matrix formulations are provided within biodegradable polymers, this pain relief can be continued for at least three days. In some embodiments, the relief can be for at least twenty-five days, at least fifty days, at least one hundred days, at least one hundred and thirty-five days or at least one hundred and eighty days.

主权项

1. An implantable matrix for reducing or treating pain in a patient in need of such treatment, the implantable matrix comprising clonidine in an amount from about 0.1 wt. % to about 40 wt. % of the implantable matrix, and at least one biodegradable polymer comprising poly(D,L-lactide-co-caprolactone), poly(L-lactide-co-caprolactone), or a combination thereof, wherein the implantable matrix is configured to release clonidine over a period of at least three days, and wherein the matrix further comprises collagen in sponge form that is soaked or sprayed with the clonidine, and the implantable matrix comprises a pore forming agent comprising trehalose from about 3% to about 5% by weight, and the implantable matrix comprises a burst release surface disposed on edges of the implantable matrix that releases about 35% to about 50% of the clonidine over 24 hours and a sustained release surface, and the implantable matrix has a density of less than about 1 g/cm3 to less than about 0.7 g/cm3.