Implantable flurbiprofen for treating inflammation associated with arthritis

This report describes the development of implantable formulation of flurbiprofen using biocompatable and biodegradable aliphatic polyesters viz polycaprolactone, hydrophilic polymers like alginates and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose in the form of films, microspheres or pellets for treating chronic inflammed conditions associated with arthritis. The inflammation level was effectively inhibited for about 13 days post-implantation and the drug plasma level was sustained in case of polycaprolactone films. The implants biodegraded thereby obviating the need of surgical removal.