Abstract: The invention is directed to a biodegradable implant precursor having a two-part structure made of an outer sac and a liquid content. The implant precursor is composed of a biodegradable, water-coagulable thermoplastic polymer and a water-miscible organic solvent. When administered to an implant site in an animal, the implant precursor will solidify in situ to a solid, microporous matrix by dissipation of the organic solvent to surrounding tissue fluids and coagulation of the polymer. The invention also includes methods of making the implant precursor, an apparatus for forming the precursor, and a kit containing the apparatus. Also provided are methods of using the implant precursor for treating a tissue defect in an animal, for example, for enhancing cell growth and tissue regeneration, wound and organ repair, nerve regeneration, soft and hard tissue regeneration, and the like, for delivery of biologically-active substances to tissue or organs, and other like therapies.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a biodegradable implant precursor having a two-part structure made of an outer sac and a liquid content. The implant precursor is composed of a biodegradable, water-coagulable thermoplastic polymer and a water-miscible organic solvent. When administered to an implant site in an animal, the implant precursor will solidify in situ to a solid, microporous matrix by dissipation of the organic solvent to surrounding tissue fluids and coagulation of the polymer. The invention also includes methods of making the implant precursor, an apparatus for forming the precursor, and a kit containing the apparatus. Also provided are methods of using the implant precursor for treating a tissue defect in an animal, for example, for enhancing cell growth and tissue regeneration, wound and organ repair, nerve regeneration, soft and hard tissue regeneration, and the like, for delivery of biologically-active substances to tissue or organs, and other like therapies.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a filamentous porous film that can act as a support for cellular attachment, growth and organization. The film is formed from filaments which define a matrix structure with pores.

Abstract: The invention provides an implant composition for sustained delivery of a biologically active agent. The implant composition includes a biologically active agent, a thermoplastic polymer, an organic liquid and a small amount of an aqueous medium. The thermoplastic polymer is insoluble in water so that the implant composition has the form of a substantially homogeneous pliable, moldable solid.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a filamentous porous film that can act as a support for cellular attachment, growth and organization. The film is formed from filaments which define a matrix structure with pores.

Abstract: The invention provides a controlled release polymeric composition which includes a base polymer or copolymer, an organic solvent, a polymeric controlled release additive, and a biologically active agent. The polymeric controlled release additive reduces the initial burst of biologically active agent released from the polymeric composition as it is solidifying to form the solid implant. The controlled release additive is preferably a poly(lactide-co-glycolide)/polyethylene glycol block copolymer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and composition for forming an implant in-situ within a body using non-polymeric materials, and the use of such implants as medical devices and drug delivery systems. The composition can be applied to an animal to treat periodontal disease or other tissue defect, enhance compatibility and performance of an implantable article, and deliver a biologically active agent.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a biodegradable implant precursor having a two-part structure made of an outer sac and a liquid content. The implant precursor is composed of a biodegradable, water-coagulable thermoplastic polymer and a water-miscible organic solvent. When administered to an implant site in an animal, the implant precursor will solidify in situ to a solid, microporous matrix by dissipation of the organic solvent to surrounding tissue fluids and coagulation of the polymer. The invention also includes methods of making the implant precursor, an apparatus for forming the precursor, and a kit containing the apparatus. Also provided are methods of using the implant precursor for treating a tissue defect in an animal, for example, for enhancing cell growth and tissue regeneration, wound and organ repair, nerve regeneration, soft and hard tissue regeneration, and the like, for delivery of biologically-active substances to tissue or organs, and other like therapies.

Abstract: A biodegradable polymer is provided for use in providing syringeable, in-situ forming, solid biodegradable implants for animals. The polymer is placed into the animal in liquid form and cures to form the implant in-situ. A thermoplastic system to form said implant comprises the steps of dissolving a non-reactive polymer in biocompatible solvent to form a liquid, placing the liquid within the animal, and allowing the solvent to dissipate to produce the implant. An alternative, thermosetting system comprises mixing together effective amounts of a liquid acrylic ester terminated, biodegradable prepolymer and a curing agent, placing the liquid mixture within an animal and allowing the prepolymer to cure to form the implant. Both systems provide a syringeable, solid biodegradable delivery system by the addition of an effective level of biologically active agent to the liquid before injection into the body.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a polymer formulation in which a pharmaceutically acceptable, biocompatible, biodegradable and/or bioerodible, water-coagulable thermoplastic polymer or copolymer which is substantially insoluble in an aqueous medium is dissolved in .epsilon.-caprolactone, a pharmaceutically-acceptable, moderately water-soluble organic solvent. When brought in contact with an aqueous environment, such as body or tissue fluids, the .epsilon.-caprolactone slowly dissipates into the aqueous fluid. As the .epsilon.-caprolactone dissipates, the water-insoluble thermoplastic polymer coagulates to form a flexible matrix. Preferably, the thermoplastic polymer is a copolymer of caprolactone or methylene carbonate and lactide or glycolide monomers. More preferably, the thermoplastic polymer is poly(DL-lactide-co-caprolactone). The polymer formulation may also contain a biologically active agent and/or a rate modifying agents to control the rate of release of the biologically active agent.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an improved system for controlled release of biologically active materials and to a liquid composition for its formation. The liquid composition is composed of a thermoplastic polymer, rate modifying agent, bioactive material and organic solvent. The liquid composition is capable of forming a biodegradable and/or bioerodible microporous, solid polymer matrix. The matrix is useful as an implant in patients (humans and animals) for delivery of biologically active substances to tissues or organs.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and composition for forming an implant in-situ within a body using non-polymeric materials, and the use of such implants as medical devices and drug delivery systems. The composition can be applied to an animal to treat periodontal disease or other tissue defect, enhance compatibility and performance of an implantable article, and deliver a biologically active agent.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a biodegradable film dressing with or without additional therapeutic agents, an apparatus for spray delivery and a method for formation of the film dressing-on a human or animal tissue. The film dressing is formed from a liquid composition of at least one biodegradable/bioerodible thermoplastic polymer in a pharmaceutically acceptable solvent. The spray apparatus includes a vessel containing the liquid composition with a dispensing means. The film is formed by dispensing, preferably by spraying, the liquid composition onto a tissue site and contacting the liquid composition with an aqueous based fluid to coagulate or solidify the film onto the human or animal tissue. The biodegradable film can be used to protect and to promote healing of injured tissue and/or to deliver biologically active agents.

Abstract: Improved biocompatible liquid delivery compositions, which are useful for the formation of sustained release delivery systems for active agents, are provided. The compositions include liquid formulations of a biocompatible polymer or prepolymer in combination with a controlled release component. The controlled release component includes an active agent. These compositions may be introduced into the body of a subject in liquid form which then solidify or cure in situ to form a controlled release implant or a film dressing. The liquid delivery compositions may also be employed ex situ to produce a controlled release implant. Methods of forming a controlled release implant and employing the liquid formulations in the treatment of a subject are also provided.

Abstract: Improved biocompatible liquid delivery compositions, which are useful for the formation of sustained release delivery systems for active agents, are provided. The compositions include liquid formulations of a biocompatible polymer or prepolymer in combination with a controlled release component. The controlled release component includes an active agent. These compositions may be introduced into the body of a subject in liquid form which then solidify or cure in situ to form a controlled release implant or a film dressing. The liquid delivery compositions may also be employed ex situ to produce a controlled release implant. Methods of forming a controlled release implant and employing the liquid formulations in the treatment of a subject are also provided.

Abstract: Improved biocompatible liquid delivery compositions, which are useful for the formation of sustained release delivery systems for active agents, are provided. The compositions include liquid formulations of a biocompatible polymer or prepolymer in combination with a controlled release component. The controlled release component includes an active agent. These compositions may be introduced into the body of a subject in liquid form which then solidify or cure in situ to form a controlled release implant or a film dressing. The liquid delivery compositions may also be employed ex situ to produce a controlled release implant. Methods of forming a controlled release implant and employing the liquid formulations in the treatment of a subject are also provided.

Abstract: A biodegradable polymer is provided for use in providing syringeable, in-situ forming, solid biodegradable implants for animals. The polymer is placed into the animal in liquid form and cures to form the implant in-situ. A thermoplastic system to form said implant comprises the steps of dissolving a non-reactive polymer in biocompatible solvent to form a liquid, placing the liquid within the animal, and allowing the solvent to dissipate to produce the implant. An alternative, thermosetting system comprises mixing together effective amounts of a liquid acrylic ester terminated, biodegradable prepolymer and a curing agent, placing the liquid mixture within an animal and allowing the prepolymer to cure to form the implant. Both systems provide a syringeable, solid biodegradable delivery system by the addition of an effective level of biologically active agent to the liquid before injection into the body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and composition for forming an implant in-situ within a body using non-polymeric materials, and the use of such implants as medical devices and drug delivery systems. The composition can be applied to an animal to treat periodontal disease or other tissue defect, enhance compatibility and performance of an implantable article, and deliver a biologically active agent.

Abstract: A biodegradable polymer is provided for use in providing syringeable, in-situ forming, solid biodegradable implants for animals. The polymer is placed into the animal in liquid form and cures to form the implant in-situ. A thermoplastic system to form said implant comprises the steps of dissolving a non-reactive polymer in biocompatible solvent to form a liquid, placing the liquid within the animal, and allowing the solvent to dissipate to produce the implant. An alternative, thermosetting system comprises mixing together effective amounts of a liquid acrylic ester terminated, biodegradable prepolymer and a curing agent, placing the liquid mixture within an animal and allowing the prepolymer to cure to form the implant. Both systems provide a syringeable, solid biodegradable delivery system by the addition of an effective level of biologically active agent to the liquid before injection into the body.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a biodegradable film dressing with or without additional therapeutic agents, an apparatus for spray delivery and a method for formation of the film dressing on a human or animal tissue. The film dressing is formed from a liquid composition of at least one biodegradable/bioerodible thermoplastic polymer such as polylactides, polyglycolides, polycaprolactones or copolymers thereof in a pharmaceutically acceptable solvent such as N-methylpyrrolidone, alcohols or alkyl esters. The spray apparatus includes a vessel containing the liquid composition with a dispensing means. The film is formed by dispensing, preferably by spraying, the liquid composition onto a tissue site and contacting the liquid composition with an aqueous based fluid such as water, saline solution or body fluid to coagulate or solidify the film onto the human or animal tissue.