Available Technology
On-demand and reversible drug release by external cue
Technology:
Method to release drugs from a polymer matrix on-demand without degrading the matrix
Markets Addressed
Ultrasound and magnetic fields can be used successfully in combination with site-specific drug delivery as a highly-controllable targeted delivery strategy of drugs, proteins, genes, and other compounds into viable cells and organs for therapeutic purposes.
Ultrasound and magnetic fields can be temporally and spatially controlled, and can be safely applied repeatedly if needed, thus provides a non-invasive means of boosting intracellular drug delivery that can be more advantageous for clinical applications.
The technology is a localized drug-releasing polymer for on-demand treatment of pain, inflammation, or other localized, chronic conditions. Cancer and osteoarthritis may be of initial clinical importance. Proof of principle has been demonstrated in mitoxantrone, an anti-cancer chemotherapy treatment.
Innovations and Advantages
Researchers have discovered a self-healable polymer matrix, capable of maintaining its integrity and stiffness in physiological environments, release therapeutics at a controlled rate via polymer degradation mediated by an ultrasound, and restore previous polymer structure upon removal of the ultrasound stimulus. This polymer shows promise for use in site directed, on-demand, reversible drug release.
When stimulated by ultrasound, the polymer undergoes sonic shock, introducing cavitations into the matrix, which releases the encapsulated therapeutics. As the drugs are released through the cavities, the reversibly physical cross-links in the cavities begin to reform. This class of polymers is, therefore, self-healable in a physiological environment.
The lab further developed a macroporous gel that is sensitive to magnetic fields. The porosity of these ferrogels, as well as the strength of the applied magnetic field, can be tuned to control the release rate of drugs from the gel. Like the polymer matrix, the ferrogel can be used for on-demand, reversible drug release.
By applying ultrasound or a magnetic field to a self-healable polymer matrix or ferrogel, encapsulated compounds of both high (plasmid DNA) and low-molecular weights (small molecules) are delivered at controlled rates. In vitro data using both high and low-molecular weight, clinically relevant molecules has been performed.
Additional Information
Intellectual Property Status: Patent(s) pending
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Inventor(s):
Huebsch, Nathaniel D.
Mooney, David J.
Suo, Zhigang
Zhao, Xuanhe
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For further information, please contact:
Laura Brass, Director of Business Development
(617) 495-3067
Reference Harvard Case #3391