Sodium-Binding Polymers for Gastrointestinal Sodium Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for hypertension and related conditions, such as diuretics, often face challenges like diuretic resistance and side effects, and existing sodium removal therapies are sub-optimal, particularly in patients with renal insufficiency and those who cannot adhere to low-sodium diets.
Innovation Solution
Development of sodium-binding polymeric compositions and core-shell compositions that selectively and efficiently remove sodium from the gastrointestinal tract, with high in vivo binding capacity and minimal release of bound sodium, designed to address the limitations of existing therapies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If diuretics are used to increase sodium excretion, then blood pressure is lowered, but diuretic resistance and side effects occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces polymeric compositions as an intermediary substance that binds sodium in the gastrointestinal tract, preventing its absorption. This mediator approach bypasses the renal mechanism that becomes resistant to diuretics, providing an alternative pathway for sodium removal that does not trigger diuretic resistance or associated side effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts sodium from the body through gastrointestinal binding rather than renal excretion. The polymeric compositions selectively bind and remove sodium from the GI tract, extracting this harmful substance through a different physiological route that avoids the limitations of conventional diuretic therapy.
2Productivity
If conventional sodium removal therapies are used, then some sodium is excreted, but the therapies are sub-optimal particularly in patients with renal insufficiency
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of relying on renal function to excrete sodium (the conventional approach), the invention inverts the strategy by using gastrointestinal binding to remove sodium. This reversal of the elimination pathway makes the therapy effective even when renal function is compromised, as it bypasses the defective organ system.
3Quantity of substance
If high doses of diuretics are administered to overcome resistance, then more sodium is excreted, but side effects increase
Solution Approach 1:
The polymeric compositions function as disposable binding agents that work locally in the GI tract to remove sodium. These compositions provide effective sodium removal without the cumulative toxic effects that occur with high-dose diuretic therapy, as they act through a different mechanism that does not stress the body's regulatory systems.
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
These compositions enable effective sodium removal with lower doses, reducing blood pressure and fluid overload, while minimizing side effects and improving compliance, particularly in patients resistant to diuretic therapy and those with renal insufficiency.
Implementation Method 1
sodium-binding polymeric compositions and core-shell compositions that selectively and efficiently remove sodium from the gastrointestinal tract
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides methods and compositions for the treatment of ion imbalances. In particular, the invention provides compositions comprising sodium-binding polymers and pharmaceutical compositions thereof. Methods of use of the polymeric and pharmaceutical compositions for therapeutic and/or prophylactic benefits are disclosed herein. Examples of these methods include the treatment of hypertension, chronic heart failure, end stage renal disease, liver cirrhosis, chronic renal insufficiency, fluid overload, or sodium overload.