Polymer Controlled Drug Delivery System for Growth Hormone

The use of biomaterials as vehicles for pharmacological agents, hormones, and growth factors is at times the best treatment for controlled local administration. Our study was designed to evaluate the in vitro biocompatibility and potential clinical use of a new polymer, hydroxyethyl methacrylate-vinyl pirrolidone. Human fibroblasts were incubated in the presence of the polymer and/or growth hormone, and evaluation was made of both the rate of polymer and hormone degradation and the proliferative effect on the fibroblast population. Results indicate that this polymer is biodegradable and lacks toxicity toward these cells. The hormone was slowly released, as suggested by enhanced cell proliferation.