Implantable depots with tunable release profiles

An implantable depot for treating pain in a subject, the implantable depot comprising:

• a therapeutic region having a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, and a lateral surface between the first and second surfaces, wherein the therapeutic region includes a polymer and an analgesic agent, and wherein at least some of the analgesic agent is in a free base form,
• wherein, when implanted in the subject, the implantable depot is configured to release the analgesic agent from at least the lateral surface of the therapeutic region over a release period of at least 3 days.

A method for treating pain, the method comprising:

• implanting a depot in a subject, wherein the depot comprising a therapeutic region having a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, and a lateral surface between the first and second surfaces, the therapeutic region including a first polymer and an analgesic agent, and wherein at least some of the analgesic agent is in a free base form;
• and
• releasing the analgesic agent from at least the lateral surface of the therapeutic agent over a release period of at least 3 days.

The method of any one of claims 93 to 98, wherein 100% of the analgesic agent is in the free base form.

An implantable depot for treating pain in a subject, the implantable depot comprising:

• a therapeutic region having an outer surface, wherein the therapeutic region includes a first polymer and an analgesic agent, and wherein at least some of the analgesic agent is in a free base form,
• a control region covering at least a portion of the surface of the therapeutic region to inhibit release of the analgesic agent from the surface, wherein the control region comprises a second polymer that is the same as or different than the first polymer,
• wherein, when implanted in the subject, the implantable depot is configured to release the analgesic agent from at least the surface of the therapeutic region over a release period of at least 3 days.