Biodegradable Elastomers for Medical Use

Polyurethanes are widely used in the medical field due to their wide range of physical properties and biocompatibility. However, they do not have the inherent ability to biodegrade. This invention addresses this by placing linkages of biodegradable esters between poly (urethane) blocks to create a biodegradable poly (ester-urethane). Biodegradation of the elastomer upon exposure to physiological conditions results in products biocompatible with a patient, such as lactic acid, glycolic acid, amines, alcohols, carbon dioxide and the like. The degradation rate can be varied from months to years by changing the properties of the degradable blocks such as molecular weight and chemical structure. This new class of degradable elastomers would have a wide range of uses in medical implants and devices and possibly as a delivery method for drugs or other bioactive agents.

Benefits
The medical field has been using polyurethanes for a long time with proven biocompatibility. This invention would expand upon those uses by adding a class of polymers that are not only highly biocompatible, but also biodegradable. Applications include degradable tissue scaffolds, wound dressings, surgical sutures, bolus and microparticle drug delivery systems, and stents for vessels or other biological tube structures.

Stage of Development
A formal patent application, PCT/US05/12879, has been filed with the USPTO.
This technology is part of an active and ongoing research program and prototypes have been made and are in the process of testing and seeking partners for further development of the products. It is available for licensing under either exclusive or non-exclusive terms.

Additional Info
*Guan J, Fujimoto KL, Sacks MS, Wagner WR. (2005) Preparation and characterization of highly porous, biodegradable polyurethane scaffolds for soft tissue applications.Biomaterials. 18:3961-71. (possible applications)
*See also http://www.bioen.utah.edu/faculty/pfk/pages/projects.htm

Inventor(s): Patrick Tresco, Patrick Kiser

Type of Offer: Licensing



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