Description

Current controlled-release drug delivery technologies rely on diffusion/degradation, and are not physiologically responsive. Several MEMS-based drug delivery devices have been formulated, but the efficacy of introducing these drugs to the patient has been compromised. Also, current technologies do not allow simultaneous delivery of imaging agents and therapeutics and thus cellular-level monitoring of therapeutics is not possible. Current concepts in nanofabricated drug delivery devices only allows devices 10 micron and does not provide physiological responsive ness. Additionally, most MEMS-based drug delivery devices must be surgically implanted or directly injected to site of disease, and are not suitable for systemic injection.

This technology embodies a nanofabricated drug delivery device incorporating physiologically directed delivery mechanism. The main approach utilizes nanofabrication technology to develop micro- and nanocontainers that are capable of releasing both drugs and imaging contrast agents in response to stimuli. This novel device not only achieves accurate drug delivery, but it also provides for the simultaneous non-invasive monitoring of both therapeutics and the delivery device. Further, because this device is systemically injectable, no implantation surgery is required. In addition, this device contains a physiologically responsive lid that only allows drug release at target site when triggered by specific stimuli. This avoids drug delivery to normal tissues and cells, and systemic or local toxicity side effects.

Benefits

• Reduced side effects: Drug is only delivered when disease signal is sensed
  
• Site-specific
  
• Physiologically controlled
  
• Increased bioavailability
  
• Improved therapeutic effectiveness
  
• Can be used for systemic, intracellular targeted delivery
  
• Easy evaluation of the delivery
  
• Reduced cost of development
  

Features

• "Intelligent" release mechanism
  
• Delivers therapeutic and imaging agents at the same time
  
• Contains a physiologic responsive lid
  
• Market Potential/Applications

Market Potential/Applications

This technology can be used to deliver potent drugs (such as chemotherapeutic drugs) to specific cells and tissues without affecting normal cells and thereby reducing side effects. This technology can potentially incorporate other stimuli-sensitive polymeric lids to control drug release for a variety of diseases.

IP Status

One U.S. Patent Application filed

For further information please contact:

University of Texas,
Austin, USA
Website : www.otc.utexas.edu