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Pharmacokinetics of DepoFoam gentamicin delivery system and effect on soft tissue infection

L S Grayson1, J F Hansbrough, R L Zapata-Sirvent

  • 1Department of Surgery, University of California, San Diego Medical Center 92103.

Insights

DepoFoam particles effectively deliver gentamicin to soft tissues for extended periods, improving local antibiotic concentrations and potentially reducing toxicity compared to free drug administration.

Area of Science:

  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Pharmacology
  • Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

  • Systemic antibiotic delivery for wound infections faces challenges with suboptimal drug concentrations and potential toxicity.
  • Novel drug delivery systems are needed to improve local antibiotic efficacy in wound treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of DepoFoam particles for local delivery of gentamicin (GENT) in soft tissues.
  • To assess the in vitro stability and in vivo pharmacokinetics of encapsulated gentamicin.

Main Methods:

  • Gentamicin was encapsulated in DepoFoam particles, achieving an 81% yield.
  • In vitro stability was assessed by incubating encapsulated GENT in human plasma.
  • In vivo pharmacokinetics were determined in mice by subcutaneous injection of free or encapsulated GENT, followed by tissue and serum GENT level analysis.

Main Results:

  • DepoFoam-encapsulated gentamicin demonstrated stability in human plasma with a half-life of 21 days.
  • Subcutaneous administration of DepoFoam GENT resulted in significantly higher local tissue drug levels compared to free GENT at 0.5, 2, 6, and 24 hours post-injection.
  • While free GENT was undetectable in tissues by 24 hours, therapeutic levels of DepoFoam GENT persisted.

Conclusions:

  • DepoFoam particles provide a viable platform for sustained local delivery of gentamicin.
  • This novel drug delivery system shows potential for enhanced treatment of soft tissue infections by maintaining therapeutic drug concentrations at the wound site.

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