Abstract: Biodegradable carriers synthesized from ricinoleic acid oligoesters and aliphatic molecules having at least one carboxylic acid and at least one hydroxy or carboxylic acid group that are liquids or pastes at temperatures below 37° C. and methods of making and using thereof are described herein. The polymers described herein significantly increase their viscosity upon immersion in aqueous medium. These polymers can be used as hydrophobic biomedical sealants, temporary barriers to prevent adhesions, such as organ to organ adhesion, cell supports, carriers for drug delivery, and coatings on implantable medical devices, such as stents.

Abstract: Poly(ester-anhydrides) or polyesters formed from ricinoleic acid and natural fatty diacids and their method of preparation and its use for delivering bioactive agents including small drug molecules, peptides and proteins, DNA and DNA complexes with cationic lipids or polymers or nano and microparticles loaded with bioactive agents are disclosed herein. The drug delivery compositions are administered to a patient in a liquid form, increase in viscosity in vivo to form a drug depot or implant, and are able to release the incorporated bioactive agent for weeks. In the preferred embodiment, the drug delivery formulations are administered by injection. In one embodiment, the compositions are suitable for local or regional delivery of drugs to diseased sites, such as treating solid tumors and bone infections.

Abstract: Biodegradable carriers synthesized from ricinoleic acid oligoesters and aliphatic molecules having at least one carboxylic acid and at least one hydroxy or carboxylic acid group that are liquids or pastes at temperatures below 37° C. and methods of making and using thereof are described herein. The polymers described herein significantly increase their viscosity upon immersion in aqueous medium. These polymers can be used as hydrophobic biomedical sealants, temporary barriers to prevent adhesions, such as organ to organ adhesion, cell supports, carriers for drug delivery, and coatings on implantable medical devices, such as stents.

Abstract: The invention provides polyanhydrides with aliphatic hydrocarbon terminals having ester or amide bonds.

Abstract: Poly(ester-anhydrides) or polyesters formed from ricinoleic acid and natural fatty diacids and their method of preparation and its use for delivering bioactive agents including small drug molecules, peptides and proteins, DNA and DNA complexes with cationic lipids or polymers or nano and microparticles loaded with bioactive agents are disclosed herein. The drug delivery compositions are administered to a patient in a liquid form, increase in viscosity in vivo to form a drug depot or implant, and are able to release the incorporated bioactive agent for weeks. In the preferred embodiment, the drug delivery formulations are administered by injection. In one embodiment, the compositions are suitable for local or regional delivery of drugs to diseased sites, such as treating solid tumors and bone infections.

Abstract: A polymeric carrier for delivery of bioactive or bioreactive molecules is provided, including a stereocomplex of one or more biocompatible polymers and having incorporated on or within the complex the molecules to be delivered. In a preferred embodiment, the biocompatible stereoselective polymers are linear or branched D-PLA homo- and block-polymers, linear or branched L-PLA homo- and block-polymers, copolymers thereof, or mixtures thereof, in stereocomplexed form. In one preferred embodiment, the polymeric carrier is complexed with a complementary stereospecific bioactive molecule. In other embodiments, the bioactive, or bioreactive (for example, for use in diagnostic applications), is bound to the complex by ionic, hydrogen, or other non-covalent binding reactions not involving stereocomplexation, or is physically entrapped within the complex, either at the time of complex formation or when the polymeric material is formulated into particles, tablets, or other form for pharmaceutical application.