Out-licensing

Biodegradable Porous Device for Long-Term Drug Delivery with Constant Rate Release

Introduction/Background

Currently there are many methods for developing effective delivery devices used in medical applications for delivering drugs or other agents. An ideal pharmaceutical delivery system provides the drug only when and where it is needed and at the appropriate concentration to obtain the designed therapeutic effect. Such methods include biodegradable systems and diffusional delivery systems. Biodegradable systems include a polymer matrix having a therapeutic agent or drug incorporated therein. The biodegradable system releases the drug as the polymer matrix degrades. Usually the polymer matrix contains hydrolytic or enzymatic label bonds on its main molecular chain and as the polymer erodes due to the cleavage of these bonds the encapsulated therapeutic agent is exposed and released. The most often used biodegradable polymers are poly(lactic acid), poly(glycolic acid), poly(ortho ester), and polyanhydrids and their copolymers. The important advantage to using such biodegradable systems is that surgery is not required to remove the waste delivery device after the drug administration period due to the degradation of the polymer matrix. Although biodegradable systems are useful, one disadvantage associated with their use is that the polymers do not deliver the drug at a constant rate and for a long enough period to achieve the required therapeutic effect.

Aims/Hypothesis

The need for a well tolerated, biodegradable porous reservoir type drug device for long-term drug delivery is required.

Research

Our biodegradable porous drug delivery device provides controlled and sustained therapeutic drug levels for extended periods of time. The important advantage to using biodegradable systems is that surgery is not required to remove the waste delivery device after the drug administration period due to the degradation of the polymer matrix. One disadvantage associated with the use of biodegradable systems is that the polymers do not deliver the drug at a constant rate and for a long enough period to achieve the required therapeutic effect. The reservoir type system has the advantage that it provides a constant rate of release. However, several disadvantages include the possibility of leaks or ruptures, burdensome manufacturing expense, and the requirement of additional surgery to remove the empty carrier. Our delivery device combines the features and advantages of both the biodegradable matrix drug delivery systems and the reservoir type drug delivery systems without the disadvantages inherent in the two separate delivery systems.

Conclusion

A biodegradable porous drug delivery device for controllably releasing a pharmacological agent is disclosed.

Relevance/Opportunity

We are currently seeking licensing or codevelopment partnerships. Please enquire quoting reference no. 5141996.

Preclinical

US Issued Patent # : 5,516,522