Nevirapine Plexis formulation release data

The broad goal of this project is to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV through breast-feeding in resource-poor countries. We have developed a platform technology for the sustained release of a broad range of drugs by subcutaneous / intramuscular injection that can potentially provide weeks of protection from each injection. We proposed to utilize this platform to develop a sustained-release, depot formulation of nevirapine in order to provide prophylactic levels of nevirapine in breast-feeding HIV-negative infants of HIV-positive mothers. This treatment would involve intermittent subcutaneous dosing of the infants at intervals sufficient to increase the feasibility of the program compared to daily oral therapy. 

In vitro release of nevirapine formulation into water

Polymer-coated, sustained-release nevirapine dissolution into distilled water.  Half life of dissolution was 18 days.

In vivo levels of nevirapine in rats

Studies have demonstrated a very short half life of 2.4 hrs for nevirapine in the rat. In contrast, the present work demonstrates sustained release for >21 days. Notable is an absence of a burst effect.