Controlled release of anti-cocaine catalytic antibody from biodegradable polymer microspheres

Recent reports have shown that anti-cocaine catalytic monoclonal antibody 15A10 reduces the toxic effect of cocaine by increasing its breakdown to systemically inert products ecgonine methylester and benzoic acid. This study reports the microencapsulation of antibody 15A10 using biodegradable poly (lactic-glycolic) acid (PLGA) by double emulsion technique. Formulation parameters such as protein loading, polymer molecular weight and the presence of zinc carbonate were studied for their effects on in-vitro release of antibody from microspheres. The initial burst release was decreased by the reduction of the protein (as % of total ingredients) in the formulation. Although changing the polymer molecular weight did not cause a reduction in initial burst release, it was effective in improving the release rate. The inclusion of zinc carbonate in microsphere preparation resulted in increase in initial burst release. An in-vivo study in mice revealed the presence of antibody in blood up to ten days following subcutaneous injections. These data demonstrate a potential for a sustained-release formulation of monoclonal antibody 15A10 for treatment of cocaine addiction.