Methods and compositions for enhancing the bioadhesive properties of polymers using organic excipients
First Claim
1. A method for improving the bioadhesiveness of a polymer, the method comprising incorporating an anhydride oligomer in the polymer in an amount effective to enhance the ability of the polymer to adhere to a mucosal membrane, wherein the anhydride oligomer includes twenty or fewer diacid units linked by anhydride linkages or has a molecular weight of 5000 Daltons or less, and wherein the anhydride oligomer is incorporated by dispersing solid particles of anhydride oligomer into the polymer, dissolving anhydride oligomer and polymer in a solvent for both the polymer and the oligomer, or blending liquified anhydride oligomer with liquified polymer.
6 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Methods and compositions are provided for enhancing the bioadhesive properties of polymers used in drug delivery systems. The bioadhesive properties of a polymer are enhanced by incorporating an anhydride oligomer into the polymer to enhance the ability of the polymer to adhere to a tissue surface such as a mucosal membrane. Anhydride oligomers which enhance the bioadhesive properties of a polymer include oligomers synthesized from dicarboxylic acid monomers, preferably those found in Krebs glycolysis cycle, especially fumaric acid. The oligomers can be incorporated within a wide range of polymers including proteins, polysaccharides and synthetic biocompatible polymers. In one embodiment, anhydride oligomers can be incorporated within polymers used to form or coat drug delivery systems, such as microspheres, which contain a drug or diagnostic agent. The oligomers can either be solubilized and blended with the polymer before manufacture or else used as a coating with polymers over existing systems. The polymers, for example in the form of microspheres, have improved ability to adhere to mucosal membranes, and thus can be used to deliver a drug or diagnostic agent via any of a range of mucosal membrane surfaces including those of the gastrointestinal, respiratory, excretory and reproductive tracts.
137 Citations
32 Claims
- 1. A method for improving the bioadhesiveness of a polymer, the method comprising incorporating an anhydride oligomer in the polymer in an amount effective to enhance the ability of the polymer to adhere to a mucosal membrane, wherein the anhydride oligomer includes twenty or fewer diacid units linked by anhydride linkages or has a molecular weight of 5000 Daltons or less, and wherein the anhydride oligomer is incorporated by dispersing solid particles of anhydride oligomer into the polymer, dissolving anhydride oligomer and polymer in a solvent for both the polymer and the oligomer, or blending liquified anhydride oligomer with liquified polymer.
- 18. A composition comprising a polymer incorporating an anhydride oligomer in an amount effective to improve adhesion of the polymer to a mucosal membrane, wherein the anhydride oligomer includes twenty or fewer diacid units linked by anhydride linkages or has a molecular weight of 5000 Daltons or less, and wherein the anhydride oligomer is incorporated by dispersing solid particles of anhydride oligomer into the polymer, dissolving anhydride oligomer and polymer in a solvent for both the polymer and the oligomer, or blending liquified anhydride oligomer with liquified polymer.
Specification