Sustained release of the antimalarial Artemether via polymer coating of drug particles

CHED 1318

Ibrahim Raef Hajjali, i.hajjali@gmail.com1, Marc M. Baum, m.baum@oak-crest.org1, and Thomas J. Smith2. (1) Department of Chemistry, Oak Crest Institute of Science, 2275 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91107, (2) Auritec Pharmaceuticals, 2275 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91107
Every year, between 350-500 million cases of malaria arise worldwide. It is responsible for over one million annual deaths and is the leading cause of death in children under five in Africa. Treatments against the malarial parasite include multiple oral doses or continuous intravenous infusion. The goal of our research is to extend antimalarial drug release so as to allow for less dosage while maintaining drug capabilities. Sustained release of the antimalarial drug Artemether was achieved via application of multiple polymer layers around drug particles. The drug particles were dip-coated with polyvinyl acetate (PVA) five times, allowing the particles to dry in between coatings. Particles were then spray coated using polylactic acid (PLA) five times, with drying periods in between coatings. This process was then repeated once more to achieve a total of twenty polymer layers. In vitro testing of coated drug particles showed prolonged release of drug content into solution with a slow, continuous rise at start and an eventual plateau.
 

Undergraduate Research Poster Session: Medicinal
2:00 PM-4:00 PM, Monday, March 26, 2007 Hyatt Regency Chicago -- Riverside Center, Poster

Division of Chemical Education

The 233rd ACS National Meeting, Chicago, IL, March 25-29, 2007