Abstract: Implantable compositions are based on polymers bearing pendant groups on the polymer backbone functionalized with short chain fatty acid groups, such as one or more of acetate, n-propionate, and n-butyrate by a degradable linkage. Upon a composition being implanted in a subject, such as a human, degradation of degradable linkage liberates the short chain fatty acid groups. The liberated short chain fatty acid groups may then participate in biochemical processes in the subject, which may produce a therapeutic benefit such as resolving inflammation, promoting tissue healing, and/or promoting tolerating self-antigens and neoantigens.

Abstract: The invention provides liquid injectable copolymers of TMC and HTMC that are degradable in vivo. Degradation can be tailored by adjusting the amount of HTMC in the copolymer, the initial molecular weight of the copolymer, and the characteristics of the initiator used in its preparation. Specifically, the degradation rate increases as the amount of HTMC incorporated into the copolymer increases, as the molecular weight of the copolymer decreases, and as the hydrophobicity of the initiator decreases. Moreover, the degradation yields products such as glycerol and carbon dioxide that are non-toxic in vivo, and which will not cause a substantive change in tissue pH upon implantation in vivo. The copolymers may be used in applications such as drug delivery and as coatings.

Abstract: The invention provides liquid injectable copolymers of TMC and HTMC that are degradable in vivo. Degradation can be tailored by adjusting the amount of HTMC in the copolymer, the initial molecular weight of the copolymer, and the characteristics of the initiator used in its preparation. Specifically, the degradation rate increases as the amount of HTMC incorporated into the copolymer increases, as the molecular weight of the copolymer decreases, and as the hydrophobicity of the initiator decreases. Moreover, the degradation yields products such as glycerol and carbon dioxide that are non-toxic in vivo, and which will not cause a substantive change in tissue pH upon implantation in vivo. The copolymers may be used in applications such as drug delivery and as coatings.

Abstract: This invention relates to biomineral-based cements incorporating biopolymer carriers for the site specific introduction of natural or synthetic compounds that influence bone repair and/or patient recovery. The invention further relates to methods for producing such biphasic calcium phosphate cements for drug delivery.

Abstract: This invention relates to biomineral-based cements incorporating biopolymer carriers for the site specific introduction of natural or synthetic compounds that influence bone repair and/or patient recovery. The invention further relates to methods for producing such biphasic calcium phosphate cements for drug delivery.

Abstract: This invention relates to thermally crosslinked and photo-crosslinked biodegradable and biocompatible elastomeric polymers. The elastomers can be used for biomedical devices such as needles, stents, catheters, scaffolds for tissue engineering, and implantable drug delivery devices. The photo-crosslinked elastomers are particularly useful for delivery devices for proteins and peptides.

Abstract: This invention relates to thermally crosslinked and photo-crosslinked biodegradable and biocompatible elastomeric polymers. The elastomers can be used for biomedical devices such as needles, stents, catheters, scaffolds for tissue engineering, and implantable drug delivery devices. The photo-crosslinked elastomers are particularly useful for delivery devices for proteins and peptides.

Abstract: A process for forming microspheres that includes passing a first composition containing polymer and solvent through an orifice and directly into a second composition containing water and a microsphere-stabilizing agent, under at least one of conditions (a) and (b), wherein (a) the first composition flows through a first conduit along a first path and exits the first conduit at the orifice, the second composition flows through a second conduit along a second path in an upstream to downstream direction, the first conduit is connected to the second conduit and terminates at the orifice, the first and second paths being orientated at an angle &thgr; relative to each other, wherein 0°<&thgr;<180°; (b) the first composition being at a first temperature and including a solvent having a boiling point, the second composition being at a second temperature, the boiling point of the solvent being less than the second temperature; and forming a composition including water and microspheres, the microspheres b

Abstract: Described herein is a drug delivery system useful to deliver drugs at low dosage levels to patients in a sustained fashion and at a controlled rate. The system comprises a wettable polymeric matrix in which is dispersed a multiplicity of particles containing a substantially homogeneous blend of osmotically active excipient and not more than about 10% by weight of drug. The system is particularly well suited for delivery of therapeutic macromolecules such as protein drugs. Delivery of epidermal growth factor is exemplified.

Abstract: Described herein is a drug delivery system useful to deliver drugs at low dosage levels to patients in a sustained fashion and at a controlled rate. The system comprises a wettable polymeric matrix in which is dispersed a multiplicity of particles containing a substantially homogeneous blend of osmotically active excipient and not more than about 10% by weight of drug. The system is particularly well suited for delivery of therapeutic macromolecules such as protein drugs. Delivery of epidermal growth factor is exemplified.