The Benefits of Biodegradability

Interest in biodegradable polymers is expanding rapidly in a wide range of industry sectors and as growing numbers of polymer-chemistries become available. The pharmaceutical industry is no exception. In fact, there are significant benefits to the use of biodegradable polymers in formulated drug products that go well beyond their sustainability, which is what is, in large part, driving the use of such polymers in other sectors.

Biodegradable polymers are, in fact, ideal for the development of sustained release parenteral products or the taste masking of tablets, capsules, and granules. In the case of parenterals, the ability to provide sustained release increases ease of use and may in turn leader to greater patient compliance.

Biodegradable polymers are also being investigated, in conjunction with nanoparticle conjugates, for targeted drug delivery of highly potent APIs. They can even be used to provide sustained release of antibiotics or anti-inflammatory or other actives at the site of surgery or on an implanted medical device.

What is your experience with biodegradable polymers? What applications for these materials are you investigating or would you like to see explored? Let us know.

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Cynthia Challener, PhD

Editor

The Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manufacturing & Marketplace Report