Preparation and evaluation of injectable slow-release formulations of local anesthetics.

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K17828
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 55050:Anesthesiology-related
• Research Institution: Gunma University
• Principal Investigator: Matsui Yusuke 群馬大学, 医学部附属病院, 助教 (20805056)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: 局所麻酔薬徐放化 / レボブピバカイン / 温度応答性

Outline of Final Research Achievements

An injectable slow-release formulation of levobupivacaine in the form of a temperature-responsive gel was prepared and evaluated in animals and humans. A slow-release formulation was successfully prepared in collaboration with Kansai University. For the slow release effect, the release rate in test tubes was evaluated. In an environment similar to that in vivo, the encapsulated levobupivacaine was released in approximately 48 hours. Pain threshold evaluation and safety evaluation were also conducted in rats. The results showed a prolonged analgesic effect time. Compared to the non-sustained release, pain thresholds were higher at 6 and 12 hours with statistically significant differences. No motor impairment remained for an extended period of time, and there were no obvious effects on nerves. The above information is currently being submitted to a scientific journal.

Free Research Field

麻酔科学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

注射可能な局所麻酔薬は、今までの局所麻酔薬よりも作用時間の延長ができる。注射かなおうなため、現在局所麻酔薬が投与されている、局所麻酔、伝達麻酔、硬膜外麻酔など、幅広い状況で使用することが想定できる。これにより、オピオイドをはじめとした他の鎮痛薬減量による副作用軽減が期待でき、術後の回復促進をはかれる。それにより入院期間の短縮や医療費削減が期待される。また、鎮痛のために持続投与用カテーテルを留置しなくてもすむようになる可能性があり、患者や医療従事者の負担軽減、コスト削減の実現も期待される。