Poly-Med Inc Announces Issuance of Two Advanced Implantable Medical Polymer Patents

US contract developer of polymer-based medical devices and materials Poly-Med Inc (PMI) has announced the issuance of two patents the week of August 16, 2013. The first, US patent 8,506,988, deals with an intravaginal ring delivery system. A recent increase in focus on women’s health issues has motivated studies on intravaginal drug delivery for reproductive, disease-related, and oncological applications. Poly-Med research and development was issued a patent on a fibre-reinforced composite ring for the controlled release of at least one bioactive agent. The ring system includes a biocompatible matrix reinforced with absorbable (biodegradable) fibres capable of providing the mechanical properties needed for insertion and positional stability within a body cavity for a desired period of time. The patent also includes combinations of absorbable and non-absorbable fibres to provide a wide range of ring constructions suitable for a variety of degradation and drug release profiles. Such a ring system can be used for the intravaginal, intraperitoneal, and subcutaneous delivery of at least one bioactive agent, including those used as contraceptives, antimicrobial agents, and/or antiviral agents, as well as those for the treatment of cancer.  This technology is available to customers interested in delivering their bioactive agent for any of these indications.

The second patent (US Patent 8,507,614) relates to the preparation of a lactide-based copolymer and continues the growth of Poly-Med’s Lactoprene family of materials. Lactoprene is a trademark of Poly-Med Inc. Especially useful for delivery directly to the tissue lining of body cavities, this polymer solution features the ability to transform in the presence of water into a tissue-adhering film which can then degrade shortly after releasing a bioactive agent, such an antimicrobial, antiviral, ant-inflammatory, antibacterial, or antibiotic agent. The mechanical resilience and film-forming ability are distinct from other polyester solution/precipitant or hydrogel formulations that generally do not form coatings suitable for luminal linings. Poly-Med’s patented bioactive, hydroforming luminal liner compositions are formed of high molecular weight crystalline, absorbable co-polyesters dissolved in a liquid derivative of a polyether glycol. The composition undergoes transformation into a tissue-adhering, resilient interior cover or liner for the controlled release of its bioactive payload within clinically compromised conduits in humans. Potential applications include bacteria- and yeast-infected vaginal canals, esophagi, and arteries following angioplasty.  This platform technology can incorporate almost any bioactive agent that a PMI client may care to deliver, and can provide a method of localised delivery without obstructing fluid passageways.

For more information on Poly-Med’s recent patents, view recent news items at http://www.poly-med.com/cat_news_detail.jsp?itemID=434 or see the “Patents” section of the Poly-Med, Inc. website: http://www.poly-med.com/patents.