Phase-sensitive polymer-based controlled delivery systems of leuprolide acetate: In vitro release, biocompatibility, and in vivo absorption in rabbits

Leuprolide acetate (LA) is a synthetic analog of gonadotropin releasing hormone. It is effective in prostrate cancer treatment only when its desired concentration in blood is maintained for longer duration. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the in vitro release, biocompatibility, and in vivo absorption of LA from phase-sensitive polymer delivery systems capable of delivering it at a controlled rate for longer duration. Phase-sensitive formulations were prepared by dissolving dl-polylactic acid (dl-PLA) in a mixture of organic solvents, benzyl benzoate (BB) and benzyl alcohol (BA). LA was incorporated into the polymer solution by homogenization. In vitro release was studied into 15 ml of releasing media contained in a vial which was maintained at 37 °C in a reciprocal shaking water bath. The amount of LA in the released samples was analyzed by stability indicating HPLC method. The biocompatibility of polymer formulations was investigated by in vitro 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. In vivo absorption of LA from delivery systems was studied in rabbits. Blood samples were analyzed for LA and testosterone contents by commercially available immunoassay kits. In vitro release studies showed a greater release of LA from formulations containing a greater proportion of BA (hydrophilic fraction) in the solvent mixture. In vitro biocompatibility study showed significantly (p <0.05) higher cell viability in growth media diluted with polymer extract than the control. In vivo absorption of LA and its effect on testosterone level in rabbits from the delivery system showed a sustained plasma level of LA up to 12 weeks which suppressed the testosterone plasma concentration to castration level beginning from 14th day until 90 days. Thus, phase-sensitive polymer delivery systems of LA were biocompatible and delivered LA at a controlled rate both in vitro and in vivo to keep testosterone plasma concentration at a castration level up to 3 months.