Development of a Long-Acting Injectable Formulation of Rilpivirine Based On PLGA Microspheres

Abstract

The rilpivirine-loaded spherical and monodisperse PLGA microspheres were produced by microfluidic technology. The technological parameters such as the flow rate ratio and the rilpivirine/PLGA ratio were optimized to ensure desired microspheres size and higher encapsulation efficiency of rilpivirine. The microspheres exhibited a continuous drug release characterized by only a minor burst effect. These results suggest that the PLGA microspheres loaded with rilpivirine is a promising approach to the injectable depot formulation of this drug.