Bioresorbable polymers: the core of our technology
SyntheMed's research and development initiatives encompass a broad range of bioresorbable polymeric compositions. Bioresorbable polymers perform a therapeutic task in the body and then degrade safely into fragments that are either metabolized or eliminated via normal excretory routes. Bioresorbable polymers that combine new or improved characteristics with process versatility are especially desirable. Unlike many other polymer systems that may cause untoward tissue responses, polymers derived from our proprietary technology are highly biocompatible.
SyntheMed currently has three categories of patented, bioresorbable polymer materials:
These materials are derived from copolymers comprised of at least one hydrophilic and one hydrophobic component. As the ratio of these two components is modified, the resulting films can be made to varying mechanical strengths and in vivo residence times.The unique properties of these materials allow for the development pursuit of the "holy grail" of a surgical implant: an implant that performs the therapeutic task and then rapidly degrades, thereby avoiding any foreign body reaction.
Polymeric solutions(instillates)
These materials are derived from bioresorbable, hydrophilic/hydrophobic matrices that can be produced in a range of viscosities and in vivo residence times. The materials developed in this way are useful in both open and less-invasive surgical procedures and provide the potential to deliver a therapeutic benefit over a large surface area.
These temperature-sensitive polymeric solutions can be injected, delivered or applied at ambient temperature as low viscosity liquids. Upon contact with tissue, the RTG's can be programmed to rapidly and dramatically increase in viscosity at a predetermined higher temperature, after which they are safely eliminated from the body. RTG's may be ideally suited as anti-adhesion materials in confined anatomical locations typically encountered in spine and tendon surgery. Reverse thermal gels exhibit physical and biological properties not normally associated with this class of polymers, e.g., ultra-high viscosities, stability, controlled residence times, and bioresorbability.