Biodegradable Polymeric Paste for Localized Drug Delivery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current drug delivery methods for localized treatment of prostate cancer and chronic scrotal pain are inadequate due to challenges in accessing target tissues and achieving controlled, sustained drug release, leading to systemic side effects and limited efficacy.

Innovation Solution

Development of biodegradable polymeric pastes with controlled drug release properties, using specific ratios of PEG and PLGA, and optionally a diblock copolymer, to form soft, injectable implants that release drugs over an extended period, maintaining drug levels at the treatment site while minimizing systemic absorption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional drug delivery methods are used for localized treatment, then drug administration is simple, but drug release is uncontrolled and causes systemic side effects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrolled drug releaseVSAvoiddelivery system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A polymeric paste composition acts as an intermediary carrier between the drug and the target tissue. The paste comprises a hydrophobic water-insoluble polymer, a low molecular weight biocompatible glycol, and optionally a diblock copolymer, forming a controlled-release matrix that releases drug compounds in a sustained manner while minimizing systemic absorption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The delivery system uses composite polymeric materials combining hydrophobic water-insoluble polymers with low molecular weight biocompatible glycols and optionally diblock copolymers. This composite structure enables controlled drug release kinetics while maintaining biocompatibility and facilitating localized delivery to target tissues

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If ablative therapies are used for prostate cancer, then cancer cells are eradicated, but normal cells are damaged causing functional impairment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecancer treatment efficacyVSAvoiddamage to normal cells

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The polymeric paste enables localized drug delivery directly to the target tissue (prostate or scrotal tissue) through injection. The hydrophobic polymer matrix confines the drug compounds to the injection site, releasing them locally over time while avoiding systemic circulation and damage to distant normal tissues

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The polymeric paste is designed as a biodegradable, transient delivery system. The hydrophobic water-insoluble polymer and low molecular weight biocompatible glycol composition allows the paste to degrade in situ after delivering the drug, eliminating the need for surgical removal and reducing long-term complications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If surgery or radiation is used for prostate cancer, then long-term cancer-free rates are excellent, but quality of life is adversely affected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecancer-free rateVSAvoidquality of life impact

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The injectable polymeric paste delivers therapeutic compounds directly to the prostate tissue through localized injection. This focal delivery approach treats the cancer while preserving surrounding normal tissue and organ function, thereby maintaining quality of life parameters such as urinary and sexual function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The biodegradable polymeric paste provides temporary localized treatment without requiring permanent implants or surgical intervention. The paste degrades in situ after delivering the drug, avoiding long-term foreign body presence and associated complications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 polymeric paste system allows for controlled and sustained drug release at the treatment site, reducing systemic side effects and improving treatment efficacy for prostate cancer and chronic scrotal pain, with enhanced drug retention and localized action.

Implementation Method 1

Injectable, drug loaded polymeric pastes are attractive for local drug delivery because ultrasound or MRI-guided systems allow pinpoint accuracy in directing a needle or catheter system to a target area

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGel formation: Gel

Implementation Method 2

The paste may be manufactured from simple polymers that form soft-hydrogel-like implants, which may degrade quickly where needed and the release of the drug and/or drug combinations may be controlled

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Data Source

PatentUS20220152207A1Polymeric Paste Compositions for Drug Delivery

Publication Date: 2022.05.19 THE UNIV OF BRITISH COLUMBIA

AI summary

This invention provides compositions for controlled localized release of one or more drugs within a subject. More particularly, described herein are compositions comprising a hydrophobic water-insoluble polymer, a low molecular weight biocompatible glycol, and one or more drugs. The compositions described herein may also optionally include a di-block copolymer and/or a swelling agent.