Microencapsulation and sustained release of biologically active polypeptides
View Patent ↗The invention relates to compositions and methods for the sustained release of biologically active polypeptides. The sustained release compositions of this invention comprise a biocompatible polymer having dispersed therein a biologically active polypeptide, and a corticosteroid to modify the release profile and provide increased bioavailability.
1. A method for the sustained release in vivo of a biologically active polypeptide, comprising:
administering a sustained release composition that comprises a biocompatible polymer having exendin-4 incorporated therein, and a corticosteroid present in an amount sufficient to modify the release profile of the exendin-4 from the biocompatible polymer and to provide increased bioavailability of the exendin-4, wherein the exendin-4 is released from the sustained release composition for a period of at least about two weeks.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein a weight ratio of the exendin-4 to the corticosteroid is at least 6:1.
3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the corticosteroid is triamcinolone.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the administering is carried out by injection.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the exendin-4 is released from the sustained release composition for a period of at least about three weeks.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the exendin-4 is released from the sustained release composition for a period of at least about four weeks.