CORTICOSTEROID FORMULATIONS FOR MAINTAINING CORTICOSTEROID SYNOVIAL FLUID CONCENTRATIONS

摘要

This invention relates to compositions and methods for achieving and maintaining maximal analgesic effect following intra-articular administration of corticosteroid formulations. The invention also describes extended release, e.g., controlled- or sustained-release corticosteroid formulations, including extended release, e.g., controlled- or sustained-release formulations of triamcinolone acetonide (TCA), fluticasone propionate, cortisol, ciclesonide (monopropionate), beclometasone diproprionate, dexamethasone, flunisolide, budesonide, desisobutyryl-ciclesonide, and/or mometasone furoate, that produce a maximal analgesic effect greater than the acute analgesic effect provided by standard corticosteroid suspensions, including non-extended release corticosteroid suspensions, and that are also associated with a clinically insignificant effect on endogenous cortisol production following administration, for example, intra-articular, intrathecal, epidural, intra-bursal, or other local administration.

主权项

1. A method for maximizing analgesic effect and maintaining maximal analgesic effect in a patient with a disease or disorder associated with joint pain and/or joint inflammation the method comprising:
(a) administering to a subject in need thereof an extended release formulation comprising a corticosteroid; and (b) maintaining a synovial fluid concentration of the corticosteroid that provides a pharmacological effect equivalent to a synovial fluid concentration of triamcinolone acetonide (TCA) of at least 6 ng/ml for a duration of at least 24 days.