Controlled release of pharmacologically active agents from an absorbable biologically compatible putty-like composition

Claim 1

In a peridontal desease gum treating method for administration of at least one pharmacologically or immunologically active agent released slowly over an extended period of time to infected or target area pockets between the base of a tooth and the adjoining periodontal tissues, which comprises a combination of (a) from 0.25% to 50% by weight of the composition of a pharacologically or immunologically active agent in an effective depot amount greater than the single dose amount, and (b) a matrix which is minimally reactive towards body tissue and which is absorbable in the body over an extended period of time without adverse body reaction; the improvement comprising employing as said matrix dispensed in the shape of a rod, pellet, disc or tiny gum drop, to a pocket formed by teasing the gum away from the tooth an absorbable composition comprising: (i) a component (A) comprising a mixture of calcium stearate and dextran in which said mixture comprises between about 35% and about 60% by weight of said calcium stearate based on the weight of the matrix and between about 10% and about 35% by weight of dextran, based on the weight of the matrix; and the remainder of the matrix comprising (ii) a component (B) comprising a biocompatible base consisting of a natural or synthetic oil or wax which is absorbable in the body, said composition having a putty-like consistency at room and body temperatures.