Biodegradable Liquid Polymer Delivery for Low-Viscosity Injections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing biodegradable polymer delivery systems for drugs require high molecular weight polymers, leading to viscous solutions that necessitate large needles and cause tissue irritation, with limited drug release duration, making them unsuitable for extended administration.
Innovation Solution
A biodegradable liquid polyester with carboxylic acid end groups and a biocompatible organic solvent, formulated to have a specific monomer-to-end group ratio, allowing for a low viscosity liquid polymer that can be administered through standard needles, forming a cohesive mass in the body for extended drug release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high molecular weight polymers are used to form solid implants, then drug delivery is achieved, but the polymer solutions become viscous requiring large needles and causing tissue irritation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the molecular weight parameter of the polymer from high (solid implant form) to low (liquid form), enabling the polymer to remain liquid at room temperature and body temperature. This parameter change allows administration through smaller needles without causing tissue irritation while maintaining drug delivery functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the phase transition concept by keeping the polymer in a liquid state rather than allowing it to solidify. The low molecular weight polymer remains liquid at physiological temperatures, eliminating the need for solid implant formation and the associated tissue irritation problems.
2Reliability
If high molecular weight polymers are used, then drug delivery structure is formed, but injection force required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the molecular weight parameter to produce a liquid polymer that flows easily at room temperature. This eliminates the need for high injection forces required by viscous solutions of high molecular weight polymers, while still providing the necessary drug delivery structure through the liquid polymer matrix.
3Ease of operation
If conventional liquid polymers are used, then administration through standard needles is possible, but drug release duration is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the molecular weight parameter to a specific low range that balances two requirements: low enough to maintain liquid state for easy administration through standard needles, yet sufficient to provide extended drug release duration. This precise parameter control enables both ease of administration and prolonged therapeutic effect.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables controlled, extended drug release over three days to a month, avoiding tissue irritation and allowing for administration through smaller needles, with improved drug stability and reduced injection force.
Implementation Method 1
The '640 patent disclosed solution compositions of a biodegradable liquid polymer combined with a biocompatible organic solvent, which solvent would dissipate when the liquid polymer/solvent compositions were placed in a body, thereby forming a viscous liquid polymer material
Implementation Method 2
forming a cohesive mass in the body for extended drug release
Data Source
AI summary
Liquid polymer pharmaceutical compositions with a biodegradable liquid polyester that has a carboxylic acid end group, a biocompatible solvent, and an active pharmaceutical agent are useful for administration into the body to provide extended long term release of the drug.