Question

You are trying to create an implanted delivery system for long acting insulin. Is a matrix or reservoir system more appropriate and why?

Answer 1

Reservoir type: A core of drug surrounded by polymer membrane, which controls the release rate, characterizes reservoir devices.Drug is coated with a given thickness coating, which is slowly dissolved in the contents of gastrointestinal tract. By alternating layers of drug with the rate controlling coats, a pulsed delivery can be achieved. If the outer layer is quickly releasing bolus dose of the drug, initial levels of the drug in the body can be quickly established with pulsed intervals.

Matrix type: Matrix system is characterized by a homogenous dispersion of solid drug in a polymer mixture.. It can be either a drug impregnated sphere or a drug impregnated tablet, which will be subjected to slow erosion.

Reservoir-based systems will be more beneficial for insulin target as it have two applications:

(1) a mid-/long-term administration of a medication that is localized to a specific region (i.e.., organ, body cavity, etc.). This is usually done if the area being targeted is difficult to reach via systemic administration and/or the drugs administered are toxic and may require a long-term course of dosing.

2) A drug depot for long-term systemic administration. This is generally administered as an intramuscular or subcutaneous injection or implantation