Hydrogel Patch Composition for Minimally Invasive Disc Repair

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for a minimally invasive therapeutic agent that effectively treats herniated intervertebral discs and the associated pain with lasting effects, as surgical treatments often result in recurrence.

Innovation Solution

A pharmaceutical composition comprising fibrin, laminin, and hyaluronic acid, or their derivatives, formulated as a hydrogel patch, is applied to the affected area to improve neurological and sensory functions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If surgical therapy is performed to treat herniated intervertebral disc, then immediate pain relief and neurological improvement are achieved, but recurrence rate increases and invasive risks are introduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment effectivenessVSAvoidrecurrence and surgical risks

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The hydrogel patch is applied preemptively to the intervertebral disc to prevent herniation progression and recurrence. The patch contains bioactive molecules that are released in advance to promote disc healing and structural integrity before surgical intervention is needed, thereby reducing recurrence rates while maintaining treatment effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The hydrogel patch acts as an intermediary substance between the damaged disc structures, providing a scaffold that facilitates natural healing processes. The patch delivers growth factors and structural proteins that mediate tissue regeneration, reducing the need for aggressive surgical intervention and lowering associated risks

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If conservative treatment is used for herniated intervertebral disc, then surgical risks are avoided, but treatment duration increases and effectiveness may be insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurgical risksVSAvoidtreatment duration

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The hydrogel patch changes the physical and chemical parameters of the treatment environment by providing a controlled release system for bioactive molecules. This extends the duration of therapeutic action from weeks to months, allowing conservative treatment to remain effective without requiring prolonged treatment periods or surgical intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patch utilizes composite hydrogel materials that combine multiple functional components including structural scaffolds, growth factors, and anti-inflammatory agents. This composite approach enhances treatment effectiveness while maintaining a non-invasive conservative treatment protocol, reducing both surgical risks and treatment duration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If hydrogel patch containing multiple bioactive molecules is applied, then neurological and sensory recovery is enhanced, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveneurological recoveryVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple bioactive molecules including growth factors, structural proteins, and anti-inflammatory agents are merged into a single hydrogel patch formulation. This combination approach enhances neurological and sensory recovery by providing synergistic effects, while the unified patch structure simplifies manufacturing compared to multiple separate applications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The hydrogel patch is designed as a multi-functional platform that simultaneously provides structural support, delivers growth factors, reduces inflammation, and promotes nerve regeneration. This universal design enhances recovery outcomes across multiple parameters while streamlining the manufacturing process through a single integrated product

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20260027185A1Composition for preventing or treating herniated intervertebral disc or pain caused thereby, comprising hydrogel patch

Publication Date: 2026.01.29 SUPINE THERAPEUTICS CO LTD

AI summary

Provided is a composition for the treatment of herniated intervertebral disc or pain resulting therefrom, including a hydrogel patch, which shows the effects of improving neurological grade before and after the procedure, improving behavioral ability before and after the procedure, and recovering sensory ability, in a disc animal model. Accordingly, the composition can be useful for the prevention or treatment of the herniated intervertebral disc or pain resulting therefrom in a minimally invasive method.