In vitro/in vivo characterization of melt-molded gabapentin-loaded poly(epsilon-caprolactone) implants for sustained release in animal studies

Gabapentin (GBP) is a water soluble low molecular weight drug with anticonvulsivant and antinociceptive activity. In animal models, systemic administration regimes resembling chronic exposure to this drug (50 mg/kg, twice a day during one week), induce memory impairment. Aiming to gain further insight on the mechanisms involved in this process, a monolithic implant that releases constant plasma levels during one-week was designed. GBP-loaded poly(epsilon-caprolactone) matrices were produced by means of a simple and reproducible melt-molding/compression procedure. In vitro release studies firstly comprised uncoated implants that displayed release profiles according to a pseudo-first order model. In order to further regulate the release, two-sided coated implants where drug-free layers would perform as membranes controlling the delivery rate were prepared. A more moderated burst effect and a relatively linear (zero-order) release between days 1 and 7 were apparent. Implants were investigated in vivo and the plasma levels monitored during 10 days. Findings indicated that after a more pronounced release during day 1 and the achievement of the levels in blood comparable to a twice-a-day intraperitoneal management, relatively constant levels were attained until day 7. Overall results support the usefulness of this manufacturing method for the production of implants to attain more prolonged GBP release profiles in memory animal studies.