Formulation of an implantable device from mini tablets-in-PCL cylinders for sustained delivery of a hydrophobic drug

Implantable drug delivery systems are presented as a potential alternative to current treatments of chronic conditions. The aim of this work was to formulate a subcutaneous implantable device made with prefabricated poly(caprolactone) (PCL) cylinders, loaded with olanzapine (OLZ) as a model drug and cyclodextrin in a mass ratio of 1:1. The final formulation was characterized using optical microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, thermal analysis, and X-ray diffraction. The proposed device was successfully fabricated and demonstrated ability to control drug release for 60 days. With continued development, these novel implants could be an alternative to currently available treatments for schizophrenia.