Patents Assigned to Tepha, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20140248417
    Abstract: Biocompatible coatings and spin finishes that can be applied to polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) polymers, and medical devices made from PHA polymers, have been developed. The coatings impart good lubricity to PHA polymers, particularly to fibers and braids made from these materials, making the coatings ideal for use on medical devices such as PHA braided sutures. The spin finishes can be applied to PHA fibers to facilitate their manufacture, and also for their conversion to other products, including medical textiles. The spin finishes serve to protect multifilament fiber bundles, and keep them intact following extrusion, and also to impart lubricity to the fiber bundles and monofilament fibers so that they are not damaged in subsequent processing steps particularly in textile processing. The coating reduces tissue drag of, for example, braided sutures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2014
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: Tepha, Inc.
    Inventors: David P. Martin, Said Rizk, Jon I. Montcrieff, Dennis W. Connelly
  • Publication number: 20140222146
    Abstract: A mastopexy implant for maintaining the breast in an elevated and aesthetically pleasing position includes a lower pole support comprising end portions which may be affixed to the chest wall or to a previously installed upper suspension strut. The implant is loaded in an insertion device. The insertion device is inserted through a small incision and into a subcutaneous pocket created in an inferior half of the breast. The lower pole support may have various constructs and in one embodiment includes a unitary conformable mesh having a plurality of arm or band members which are attached across the breast parenchyma and to the chest wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: Tepha, Inc.
    Inventors: Arikha Moses, Emily Stires, Anthony Natale
  • Publication number: 20140200667
    Abstract: Implants for osteo and osteochondral repair have been developed. These implants include a series of channels between the upper and lower surfaces of the implants, such that when implanted the lower surfaces are situated in an area rich in bone marrow and the channels provide a means for the bone marrow to migrate through the implant. Preferably the implants are made from resorbable polymer fibers, preferably arranged in braids that are knitted or woven together such that the braids are substantially parallel with each other. The implants may be rolled into a bundle of braids with the axis of the braids substantially parallel to the axis of the bundle, to provide channels along the axis of the bundle. A preferred embodiment includes P4HB fibers braided and knitted into a structure that is coated with a ceramic, preferably physiologic calcium phosphate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2014
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: Tepha, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew J. Carter
  • Patent number: 8758657
    Abstract: Absorbable polyester fibers, braids, and surgical meshes with prolonged strength retention have been developed. These devices are preferably derived from biocompatible copolymers or homopolymers of 4-hydroxybutyrate. These devices provide a wider range of in vivo strength retention properties than are currently available, and could offer additional benefits such as anti-adhesion properties, reduced risks of infection or other post-operative problems resulting from absorption and eventual elimination of the device, and competitive cost. The devices may also be particularly suitable for use in pediatric populations where their absorption should not hinder growth, and provide in all patient populations wound healing with long-term mechanical stability. The devices may additionally be combined with autologous, allogenic and/or xenogenic tissues to provide implants with improved mechanical, biological and handling properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Tepha, Inc.
    Inventors: David P. Martin, Said Rizk, Ajay Ahuja, Simon F. Williams
  • Patent number: 8753555
    Abstract: Continuous processing methods for making absorbable polymeric films with one or more of the following properties: high toughness, low modulus, high tensile strength, and thickness less than 10 mm, more preferably less than 1 mm, and more preferably less than 100 ?m, have been developed. In the preferred embodiment, the polymer is a polyhydroxyalkanoate, and in the most preferred embodiment, the polymer comprises 4-hydroxybutyrate. A particularly preferred embodiment is a film of poly-4-hydroxybutyrate or copolymer thereof, wherein the film has a tensile strength greater than 5.5 kgf/mm2, tensile modulus less than 181 kgf/mm2, and elongation at break from 10-500%, wherein the film is derived by a continuous process such as melt extrusion or solvent casting, followed by orientation to more than 25% of the film's original length in one or more directions. These can be used for a variety of purposes including fabrication of medical devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Tepha, Inc.
    Inventors: Said Rizk, David P. Martin, Kicherl Ho, Simon F. Williams
  • Patent number: 8747468
    Abstract: Biocompatible coatings and spin finishes that can be applied to polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) polymers, and medical devices made from PHA polymers, have been developed. The coatings impart good lubricity to PHA polymers, particularly to fibers and braids made from these materials, making the coatings ideal for use on medical devices such as PHA braided sutures. The spin finishes can be applied to PHA fibers to facilitate their manufacture, and also for their conversion to other products, including medical textiles. The spin finishes serve to protect multifilament fiber bundles, and keep them intact following extrusion, and also to impart lubricity to the fiber bundles and monofilament fibers so that they are not damaged in subsequent processing steps particularly in textile processing. The coating reduces tissue drag of, for example, braided sutures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Tepha, Inc.
    Inventors: David P. Martin, Said Rizk, Jon I. Montcrieff, Dennis W. Connelly
  • Patent number: 8680228
    Abstract: Methods for making P4HB polymers and copolymers thereof that are useful for preparing controlled release systems, medical devices and as intermediates in chemical synthesis, have been developed. These methods avoid the use of organic solvents, and basic conditions that can cause transesterification reactions with polymer terminal end groups or elimination reactions. A preferred embodiment is a method for producing polymers of P4HB with weight average molecular weight less than 250,000, and more preferably, less than 100,000, and a Pd of less than 3, which are useful in controlled release. A particularly preferred embodiment utilizes aqueous acetic acid to hydrolyze pellets of P4HB polymers and copolymers while in suspension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Tepha, Inc.
    Inventors: Kai Guo, David P. Martin
  • Publication number: 20140046351
    Abstract: Biocompatible coatings and spin finishes that can be applied to polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) polymers, and medical devices made from PHA polymers, have been developed. The coatings impart good lubricity to PHA polymers, particularly to fibers and braids made from these materials, making the coatings ideal for use on medical devices such as PHA braided sutures. The spin finishes can be applied to PHA fibers to facilitate their manufacture, and also for their conversion to other products, including medical textiles. The spin finishes serve to protect multifilament fiber bundles, and keep them intact following extrusion, and also to impart lubricity to the fiber bundles and monofilament fibers so that they are not damaged in subsequent processing steps particularly in textile processing. The coating reduces tissue drag of, for example, braided sutures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: Tepha, Inc.
    Inventors: David P. Martin, Said Rizk, Jon I. Montcrieff, Dennis W. Connelly
  • Publication number: 20130309166
    Abstract: Compositions of P4HB and processes to injection mold these compositions have been developed. These compositions are prepared from P4HB polymers and blends having intrinsic viscosities less than 3.2 dl/g but greater than 0.8 dl/g, moisture contents of less than 0.5% by weight, and more preferably less than 0.05% by weight, and using a polymer melt temperature during molding of at least 150° C. A preferred embodiment comprises a P4HB molding with an intrinsic viscosity of less than 3.2 dl/g that degrades rapidly in vivo.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: TEPHA, INC.
    Inventors: Said Rizk, Dennis W. Connelly, Matthew Bernasconi, Andrew J. Carter, David P. Martin, Simon F. Williams
  • Publication number: 20130309275
    Abstract: Compositions for making implants comprising high levels of resorbable bioceramics have been developed. These compositions comprise P4HB and copolymers thereof filled with bioceramics, and can be prepared with high levels of bioceramic without the compositions becoming too brittle for the intended application. A preferred embodiment comprises P4HB filled with ?-TCP.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: TEPHA, INC.
    Inventors: Andrew J. Carter, Said Rizk, David P. Martin
  • Publication number: 20130085185
    Abstract: Methods for making P4HB polymers and copolymers thereof that are useful for preparing controlled release systems, medical devices and as intermediates in chemical synthesis, have been developed. These methods avoid the use of organic solvents, and basic conditions that can cause transesterification reactions with polymer terminal end groups or elimination reactions. A preferred embodiment is a method for producing polymers of P4HB with weight average molecular weight less than 250,000, and more preferably, less than 100,000, and a Pd of less than 3, which are useful in controlled release. A particularly preferred embodiment utilizes aqueous acetic acid to hydrolyze pellets of P4HB polymers and copolymers while in suspension.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: TEPHA, INC.
    Inventor: Tepha, Inc
  • Patent number: 8287909
    Abstract: Continuous processing methods for making absorbable polymeric non-wovens with one or more of the following properties: high burst strength, fine fibers of average diameter from 1 ?m to 50 ?m, and thickness from 10 ?m to 50 mm, have been developed. Improved fiber cohesion is made possible by allowing the fibers of the non-woven to initially remain molten during web collection. In the preferred embodiment, the polymer is a polyhydroxyalkanoate, and in the most preferred embodiment, the polymer comprises 4-hydroxybutyrate. A particularly preferred embodiment is a non-woven of poly-4-hydroxybutyrate or copolymer thereof, wherein the non-woven has a burst strength greater than 0.1 Kgf, wherein the non-woven is derived by a continuous melt-blown process. The non-wovens can be used for a variety of purposes including fabrication of medical devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Tepha, Inc.
    Inventors: David P. Martin, Said Rizk, Kicherl Ho, Simon F. Williams
  • Patent number: 8084125
    Abstract: Absorbable polyester fibers, braids, and surgical meshes with improved handling properties have been developed. These devices are preferably derived from biocompatible copolymers or homopolymers of 4-hydroxybutyrate. These devices provide a wider range of in vivo strength retention properties than are currently available and have a decreased tendency to curl, in the preferred embodiment, due to the inclusion of relaxation and annealing steps following extrusion and orientation of the fiber. Filaments prepared according to these methods are characterized by the following physical properties: (i) elongation to break from about 17% to about 85% (ii) Young's modulus of less than 350,000 psi, (iii) knot to straight ratio (knot strength/tensile strength) of 55-80% or (iv) load at break from 1100 to 4200 grams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Tepha, Inc.
    Inventor: Said Rizk
  • Patent number: 8039237
    Abstract: Genetically engineered organisms for production of PHA copolymers containing 2-hydroxyacid monomers and the methods of making and using thereof have been developed. The copolymers containing 2-hydroxyacid monomers can be synthesized via biosynthesis by the action of a PHA polymerase in a living cell. By changing the genetic background of the cells, one can control specific metabolic pathways allowing control of the level of glycolic acid co-monomer in the PHA polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignees: Metabolix, Inc., Tepha, Inc.
    Inventors: David P. Martin, Frank A. Skraly
  • Patent number: 8034270
    Abstract: Absorbable polyester fibers, braids, and surgical meshes with prolonged strength retention have been developed. These devices are preferably derived from biocompatible copolymers or homopolymers of 4-hydroxybutyrate. These devices provide a wider range of in vivo strength retention properties than are currently available, and could offer additional benefits such as anti-adhesion properties, reduced risks of infection or other post-operative problems resulting from absorption and eventual elimination of the device, and competitive cost. The devices may also be particularly suitable for use in pediatric populations where their absorption should not hinder growth, and provide in all patient populations wound healing with long-term mechanical stability. The devices may additionally be combined with autologous, allogenic and/or xenogenic tissues to provide implants with improved mechanical, biological and handling properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Tepha, Inc.
    Inventors: David P. Martin, Said Rizk, Ajay Ahuja, Simon F. Williams
  • Patent number: 8016883
    Abstract: Interposition and augmentation devices for tendon and ligament repair, including rotator cuff repair, have been developed as well as methods for their delivery using arthroscopic methods. The devices are preferably derived from biocompatible polyhydroxyalkanoates, and preferably from copolymers or homopolymers of 4-hydroxybutyrate. The devices may be delivered arthroscopically, and offer additional benefits such as support for the surgical repair, high initial strength, prolonged strength retention in vivo, flexibility, anti-adhesion properties, improved biocompatibility, an ability to remodel in vivo to healthy tissue, minimal risk for disease transmission or to potentiate infection, options for fixation including sufficiently high strength to prevent suture pull out or other detachment of the implanted device, eventual absorption eliminating future risk of foreign body reactions or interference with subsequent procedures, competitive cost, and long-term mechanical stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Tepha, Inc.
    Inventors: Struan Coleman, David P. Martin, Said Rizk, Ajay Ahuja, Simon F. Williams
  • Patent number: 7943683
    Abstract: Continuous processing methods for making absorbable polymeric films with one or more of the following properties: high toughness, low modulus, high tensile strength, and thickness less than 10 mm, more preferably less than 1 mm, and more preferably less than 100 ?m, have been developed. In the preferred embodiment, the polymer is a polyhydroxyalkanoate, and in the most preferred embodiment, the polymer comprises 4-hydroxybutyrate. A particularly preferred embodiment is a film of poly-4-hydroxybutyrate or copolymer thereof, wherein the film has a tensile strength greater than 5.5 kgf/mm2, tensile modulus less than 181 kgf/mm2, and elongation at break from 10-500%, wherein the film is derived by a continuous process such as melt extrusion or solvent casting, followed by orientation to more than 25% of the film's original length in one or more directions. These can be used for a variety of purposes including fabrication of medical devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Tepha, Inc.
    Inventors: Said Rizk, David P. Martin, Kicherl Ho, Simon F. Williams
  • Patent number: 7641825
    Abstract: Absorbable polyester fibers, braids, and surgical meshes with improved handling properties have been developed. These devices are preferably derived from biocompatible copolymers or homopolymers of 4-hydroxybutyrate. These devices provide a wider range of in vivo strength retention properties than are currently available and have a decreased tendency to curl, in the preferred embodiment, due to the inclusion of relaxation and annealing steps following methods are characterized by the following physical properties: (i) elongation to break from about 17% to about 85% (ii) Young's modulus of less than 350,000 psi, (iii) knot to straight ratio (knot strength/tensile strength) of 55-80% or (iv) load at break from 1100 to 4200 grams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Tepha, Inc.
    Inventor: Said Rizk
  • Patent number: 7618448
    Abstract: Absorbable stents and absorbable stent coatings have been developed with improved properties. These devices preferably comprise biocompatible copolymers or homopolymers of 4-hydroxybutyrate, and optionally poly-L-lactic acid and other absorbable polymers and additives. Compositions of these materials can be used to make absorbable stents that provide advantageous radial strengths, resistance to recoil and creep, can be plastically expanded on a balloon catheter, and can be deployed rapidly in vivo. Stent coatings derived from these materials provide biocompatible, uniform coatings that are ductile, and can be expanded without the coating cracking and/or delaminating and can be used as a coating matrix for drug incorporation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Tepha, Inc.
    Inventors: Klaus-Peter Schmitz, Detlef Behrend, Katrin Sternberg, Niels Grabow, David P. Martin, Simon F. Williams
  • Patent number: 7025980
    Abstract: Polyhydroxyalkanoate materials are provided which are suitable for repair of soft tissue, augmentation, and as viscosupplements in animals, particularly humans. The materials comprise liquid polyhydroxyalkanoate polymer compositions or polyhydroxyalkanoate microdispersions. Devices also are provided for storage and delivery of the polyhydroxyalkanoate compositions in vivo. Methods are provided for repairing or augmenting soft tissue in animals using the materials. In a preferred embodiment, the method include the steps of (a) selecting the animal soft tissue to be repaired or augmented; and (b) placing an injectable, liquid polyhydroxyalkanoate polymer or a polyhydroxyalkanoate microdispersion into the animal soft tissue, preferably using a minimally-invasive method such as injection. In another embodiment, the liquid polyhydroxyalkanoate polymer compositions or polyhydroxyalkanoate microdispersions are used as viscosupplements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Tepha, Inc.
    Inventors: Simon F. Williams, David P. Martin