The New Strategy of Formulation of Human Growth Hormone Aggregate within PLGA Microspheres for Sustained Release

For the sustained release formulation of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH), dissociable rhGH aggregates were microencapsulated within poly(D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) [PLGA] microparticles. rhGH aggregates with 2 - 3 m Particle diameter were first produced by adding a small volume of aqueous rhGH solution into a partially water miscible organic solvent phase(ethyl acetate) containing PLGA. These rhGH aggregates were then microencapsulated within PLGA polymer phase by extracting ethyl acetate into an aqueous phase pre-saturated with ethyl acetate. The resultant microparticles were 2 - 3 m in diameter similar to the size of rhGH aggregates, suggesting that PLGA polymer was coated around the protein aggregates. Release profiles of rhGH from these microparticles were greatly affected by changing the volume of the incubation medium. The release rhGH species consisted of mostly monomeric form with having a correct conformation. This study reveals that sustained rhGH release could be achieved by microencapsulating reversibly dissociable protein aggregates within biodegradable polymers.