Controlled release of NSAIDs bound to polyacrylic carrier systems

The synthesis, characterization and properties of new acrylic "polymeric drugs" derived from the NSAIDs agents ibuprofen and ketoprofen are described. The swelling behavior in hydrated medium and the controlled release from hydrophilic copolymers of the NSAIDs derivatives and 2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate, HEMA, are discussed, considering the hydrolytical reactivity of the acrylamide or acrylic ester functional groups, the aromatic or aliphatic structure of the spacer side groups, and the hydrophilic character of the copolymer systems. The results obtained demonstrated that the swelling degree of copolymers depends on the average composition of copolymers, decreasing with the increase of the average fraction of the corresponding acrylic derivative of ibuprofen or ketoprofen in the copolymer system. In addition, polymers which support the NSAIDs active component through aromatic amide links, are more sensitive to hydrolytical processes than those of alkyl ester functions. The results obtained demonstrate that these supports could be applied for direct administration, transdermal, systemic or intra-articular injection, as well as in the form of films on wounds.