Abstract: Gel-forming macromers including at least four polymeric blocks, at least two of which are hydrophobic and at least one of which is hydrophilic, and including a crosslinkable group are provided. The macromers can be covalently crosslinked to form a gel on a tissue surface in vivo. The gels formed from the macromers have a combination of properties including thermosensitivity and lipophilicity, and are useful in a variety of medical applications including drug delivery and tissue coating.

Abstract: A method for universally distributing a therapeutic agent, in an encapsulated form, to the brain of a subject using intrathecal administration, excluding the lumbar region, is described. Methods for treating stroke and/or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) are also described. The methods involve intrathecal administration into the cerebrospinal fluid of a subject, of a therapeutic agent in an encapsulated form. Pharmaceutical compositions intended for the amelioration of stroke and/or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) are also described. The pharmaceutical compositions comprise a therapeutic agent encapsulated in a pharmaceutically acceptable polymer, suitable for injection into the cerebrospinal fluid of a subject suffering from stroke and/or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).