Multiple growth factor compositions, methods of fabrication, and methods of treatment

Abstract

Disclosed are compositions with sustained-release carriers associated with at least two different types of growth factors and methods of fabrication and treatments thereof. In some embodiments, simultaneous release of the growth factors may be preferred while in other embodiments, sequential release of the growth factors may be preferred. Application of at least two growth factors to an injury site, e.g., compromised cardiac tissue caused by, for example, myocardial infarction or ischemic heart failure, may better mimic and induce the complex growth factor signaling pathways necessary to improve cardiac function. When applied to a patient after a myocardial infarction or ischemic heart failure, multiple growth factors within a sustained-release carrier platform or platforms may cause a synergistic effect on injected cells intending to alleviate left ventricle remodeling. Methods of treatment include percutaneous, sub-xiphoid, and open chest methods using catheters and / or syringes.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application is a continuation of co-pending application Ser. No. 11 / 877,635, filed Oct. 23, 2007.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]Post-myocardial infarction compositions and methods of treatment.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Ischemic heart disease typically results from an imbalance between the myocardial blood flow and the metabolic demand of the myocardium. Progressive atherosclerosis with increasing occlusion of coronary arteries leads to a reduction in coronary blood flow. “Atherosclerosis” is a type of arteriosclerosis in which cells including smooth muscle cells and macrophages, fatty substances, cholesterol, cellular waste product, calcium and fibrin build up in the inner lining of a body vessel. “Arteriosclerosis” refers to the thickening and hardening of arteries. Blood flow can be further decreased by additional events such as changes in circulation that lead to hypoperfusion, vasospasm or thrombosis.[0004]Myocardial infarctio...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a composition that can be used to treat damaged heart tissue. The composition includes two different treatment agents that are associated with a platform that can release the agents over time. These agents can help to improve the survival, recruitment of cells, promote blood vessel growth, prevent fibrotic development, and encourage the growth of new blood vessels. The composition can also be designed to have different release rates for the two agents, ensuring that they are released at different rates. This can help to better control the treatment's effectiveness and improve its overall benefits for heart tissue.

Problems solved by technology

Ischemic heart disease typically results from an imbalance between the myocardial blood flow and the metabolic demand of the myocardium.

However, an MI can also be a result of minor blockages where, for example, there is a rupture of the cholesterol plaque resulting in blood clotting within the artery.

Thus, the flow of blood is blocked and downstream cellular damage occurs.

This damage can cause irregular rhythms that can be fatal, even though the remaining muscle is strong enough to pump a sufficient amount of blood.

In other areas, remote regions experience hypertrophy (thickening) resulting in an overall enlargement of the left ventricle.

These changes also correlate with physiological changes that result in increase in blood pressure and worsening systolic and diastolic performance.

Such therapies, however, are subject to a large percentage of the growth factor being washed away by blood flow thus minimizing the potential benefit of the treatment agent that may otherwise be obtained.

Moreover, application of a single growth factor may not be as beneficial as previously hypothesized in view of naturally occurring complex growth factor signaling pathways.

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