Composition and methods for de novo and in vivo synthesis of adipose tissue implants in predefined and sustained shape and dimension.

Name of the primary inventor: Jeremy Mao.

Invention:
Composition and methods for de novo and in vivo synthesis of adipose tissue implants in predefined and sustained shape and dimension.

Unmet Need:
Consumers and medical professionals continue to seek better solutions for soft tissue augmentation and reconstruction that address maintenance of soft tissue shape and dimension and biocompatability.

A variety of technologies are available for soft tissue augmentation, repair and reconstruction at varying scales. These include autologous tissue transfers/grafts and alloplastic implants, made of metal, ceramic, or polymers. Current products are not without limitations and/or complications which include unnatural shape and texture, contraction, infection, immunogenicity, lack of donor tissue, donor site morbidity, resorption and necrosis.

Advances: Biologically compatible soft tissue implants have been shown to maintain virtually 100% of original shape and dimension after in vivo implantation over a period of four weeks. Hybrid implants, consisting of biocompatible polymer core surrounded by biointegrative outer layer: a) facilitates integration with host tissue, b) reduces burden of having to engineer large bulk of bioengineered material, and c) and may reduce immunogenicity of implant by masking foreign core.

Applications:
Cosmetic, plastic, and reconstructive procedures, on small to large scale, e.g. facial, partial or whole breast, pectoral, or calf augmentation. Market Size: Breast augmentation: ~$800M/yr; breast reconstruction: ~$200M/yr; Facial augmentation and reconstruction: ~$250M/yr

Early Stage

IP Status: Pending application on file (WO/2008/148026). References: Stosich et al. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2007 Jan;119(1):71-83. Alhadlaq et al. Tissue Eng 2005 (11):556-566.