Development of an injection molded poly(ε-caprolactone) intravaginal insert for the delivery of progesterone to cattle

Abstract This paper reports experiments conducted to research, develop and clinically evaluate an injection molded intravaginal insert manufactured from the biodegradable polyester poly(ϵ-caprolactone). The study demonstrated that it is possible to engineer poly(ϵ-caprolactone) into a shape that is well retained, and can be used as a platform for the controlled delivery of progesterone via the vagina of cows. Field evaluation showed that the poly(ϵ-caprolactone) intravaginal inserts containing 10% (w/w) progesterone were at least as effective clinically as the commercially available CIDR intravaginal insert.