Triggered release hydrogel drug delivery system
AssigneeBoston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
InventorsArthur Rosenthal, James J. Barry, Ronald Sahatjian
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The invention features a method for triggering release of a drug from a hydrogel polymer to tissue at a desired location of the body using a catheter. A portion of the catheter is coated on its outer surface with a polymer having the capacity to incorporate a predetermined substantial amount of drug which is immobilized in the polymer until released by a triggering agent or condition that is different from physiological conditions. Upon contact with a triggering agent or condition, the polymer reacts, e.g., swells or contracts, such that the drug is delivered to the desired body tissue. A balloon catheter is shown in which the hydrogel is carried on the exterior surface of the balloon.
Claims11
A catheter for delivering a drug to tissue at a desired location in the body, comprising:
- a solution comprising a triggering agent that has a pH that differs from ambient pH;
- a catheter constructed for insertion in a body lumen having a catheter shaft with an expandable balloon portion mounted on said catheter shaft and having a lumen carrying the solution, the lumen in communication with said expandable balloon portion, said balloon portion having pores through which the solution can pass to its outer surface;
- said balloon portion being expandable to engage said tissue at a controlled pressure to fill a cross-section of the body lumen and press against said wall of said body lumen;
- said balloon portion being coated on its outer surface with a hydrogel polymer having a predetermined substantial amount of said drug incorporated therein, said drug being immobilized in said polymer until released by the solution.
A kit comprising (a) a catheter constructed for insertion in a body lumen having a catheter shaft having an expandable balloon portion mounted on said catheter shaft, said balloon portion carrying a hydrogel polymer having the capacity to incorporate a predetermine substantial amount of drug;
- (b) said drug, wherein said drug is capable of being immobilized in said polymer until released by a triggering agent;
- and (c) a solution of said triggering agent that has a pH that differs from ambient pH.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.