Corticosteroids for the treatment of joint pain

摘要

Provided are corticosteroid microparticle formulations wherein a corticosteroid is incorporated in a lactic acid-glycolic acid copolymer matrix in the microparticle. These are of use in the treatment of joint pain. A preferred embodiment is a formulation comprising (a) controlled- or sustained-release microparticles comprising a Class B corticosteroid and a poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid copolymer (PLGA) matrix, wherein the Class B corticosteroid comprises between 22% to 28% of the microparticles and wherein the PLGA has the following characteristics: (i) a molecular weight in the range of about 40 to 70 kDa; and (ii) a lactide:glycolide molar ratio of 80:20 to 60:40. A preferred Class B corticosteroid is triamcinolone acetonide.