Biodegradable polymer composition
AssigneeAtrix Laboratories, Inc.
InventorsRichard L. Dunn, Arthur J. Tipton, George L. Southard, Jack A. Rogers
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Abstract
The invention is directed to a composition composed of a thermoplastic or thermosetting polymer which is capable of forming a biodegradable and/or bioerodible microporous, solid or gelatinous polymer matrix. The matrix is useful as an implant in animals for enhancing regeneration of cells and tissue, such as bone and nerve cells, or for delivery of biologically-active substances to tissue or organs. The composition is administered to an implant site as a liquid. The invention also includes a method of preventing and treating disorders and diseases, such as bone or nerve growth disorders, or of altering body functions such as birth control, using the compositions and implants of the invention.
Claims26
A composition suitable for forming an in situ solid implant in an animal, comprising:
- a formulation of a biodegradable, thermoplastic polymer that is insoluble in aqueous or body fluid, and an organic solvent that is miscible to dispersible in aqueous or body fluid, the composition being capable of coagulating or solidifying to form a solid microporous implant upon its contact with an aqueous or body fluid, the implant being a core surrounded by a skin, and the core and skin both being porous.
A method of forming an implant suitable for altering a biological or physiological activity in an animal, comprising:
- administering to the animal composition in an amount effective to form in situ a solid implant, the composition being a liquid formulation of a biodegradable thermoset polymer that is insoluble in aqueous or body fluid and the composition undergoing curing to form a microporous matrix, the matrix being a core surrounded by a skin, the core and skin both being porous.
A composition suitable for forming an in situ solid implant in an animal, comprising:
- a liquid formulation of a biodegradable thermoset polymer, the composition being capable of forming a solid microporous matrix, the matrix being a core surrounded by a skin, and the core and skin both being porous.
A method of forming an implant suitable for altering a biological or physiological activity in an animal, comprising:
- administering to the animal a composition in an amount effective to form in situ a solid implant, the composition being a formulation of a biodegradable, bioerodable, biocompatible thermoplastic polymer that is insoluble in aqueous or body fluid, and an organic solvent that is miscible to dispersible in aqueous or body fluid, and the composition undergoing coagulation or solidification of the polymer and dispersion of the solvent into body fluid to form a solid microporous matrix, the matrix being a core surrounded by a skin, the core and skin both being porous.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.