Abstract: Matrices formed from a natural biodegradable material and that exhibit surface degradation in the presence of an enzyme are described. Matrices including a bioactive agent can be implanted or formed in a subject for release of the bioactive agent upon degradation of the matrix. The matrix can be provided in various forms, including coatings for implantable devices, implants, and in-situ formed matrices. The matrix can also be in the form of a medical device having a structure that is used to treat a medical condition.

Abstract: A composition for bioactive agent release in vivo. The composition includes the bioactive agent in combination with a mixture of a first polymer component such as poly(butyl methacrylate) and a second polymer component such as poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate).

Abstract: A grafting reagent and related method of using the reagent to form a polymeric layer on a support surface, and particularly a porous support surface, in a manner that provides and/or preserves desired properties (such as porosity) of the surface. The reagent and method can be used to provide a thin, conformable, uniform, uncrosslinked coating having desired properties onto the surface of a preformed, and particularly a porous, polymeric substrate.

Abstract: Positively-charged initiator polymers having a polymerization initiator group and a cationic portion are provided. The initiator polymers can be used with a polymerizable material for the formation of a polymeric matrix on a surface. The initiator polymers are particularly useful for cell encapsulation using macromers.

Abstract: The present invention provides biocompatible, biodegradable matrices formed from poly-?(1?4)glucopyranose and reactive hydrazide groups. The matrices can be used for various applications in the body, including drug delivery and cell therapy.

Abstract: Positively-charged initiator polymers having a polymerization initiator group and a cationic portion are provided. The initiator polymers can be used with a polymerizable material for the formation of a polymeric matrix on a surface. The initiator polymers are particularly useful for cell encapsulation using macromers.

Abstract: A crosslinkable macromer system and related methods of preparing the system and using the system in the form of a crosslinked matrix between a tissue site and an implant article such as a tissue implant or on the porous surface of a prosthetic device. The macromer system includes two or more polymer-pendent polymerizable groups and one or more multifunctional initiator groups. The polymerizable groups and the initiator group(s), when polymer-pendent, can be pendent on the same or different polymeric backbones. The macromer system provides advantages over the use of polymerizable macromers and separate, low molecular weight initiators, including advantages with respect to such properties as nontoxicity, efficiency, and solubility. A macromer system of the invention can be used as an interface between the tissue site and implant article in a manner sufficient to permit tissue growth through the crosslinked matrix and between the tissue site and implant.

Abstract: The invention provides biocompatible polymeric hydrogel matrices having excellent durability and swellability. The matrices are formed from a macromer and photo-polymer combination. The matrices can be used in association with a medical device or alone. In some methods the polymeric matrix is placed or formed at a target site in which the matrix swells and occludes the target area.

Abstract: Biocompatible foams having excellent physical and chemical properties are described. The biocompatible foams can be formed in situ or applied as a pre-formed foam for the treatment of tissue. The invention provides biocompatible degradable foams formed with a poly-?(1?4)glucopyranose macromer. The invention also provides biostable foams formed with a poly(alkylene oxide) macromer.

Abstract: The invention provides biocompatible polymeric hydrogel matrices having excellent durability and swellability. The matrices are formed from a combination of linear and branched hydrophilic macromer compounds. The matrices can be used in association with a medical device or alone. In some methods the polymeric matrix is placed or formed at a target site in which the matrix swells and occludes the target area.

Abstract: The invention provides polypeptide microparticles having control release features, particular methods for the preparation of such microparticles, and drug delivery systems that include polypeptide microparticles.

Abstract: A coating composition for use in coating implantable medical devices to improve their ability to release bioactive agents in vivo. The coating composition is particularly adapted for use with devices that undergo significant flexion and/or expansion in the course of their delivery and/or use, such as stents and catheters. The composition includes the bioactive agent in combination with a mixture of a first polymer component such as poly(butyl methacrylate) and a second polymer component such as poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate).

Abstract: Implantable medical articles comprising natural biodegradable polysaccharides are described. The polysaccharides can provide desirable release properties, and can also be degraded into products that can act as an excipient in the presence of the bioactive agent. In some aspects, the articles are ocular implants formed of a matrix of natural biodegradable polysaccharides. These ocular implants include a bioactive agent that can be released within the eye to treat an ocular condition or indication.

Abstract: A grafting reagent and related method of using the reagent to form a polymeric layer on a support surface, and particularly a porous support surface, in a manner that provides and/or preserves desired properties (such as porosity) of the surface. The reagent and method can be used to provide a thin, conformable, uniform, uncrosslinked coating having desired properties onto the surface of a preformed, and particularly a porous, polymeric substrate.

Abstract: Low molecular weight hydrophobic derivatives of non-cyclic ?(1?4)glucopyranose polymers and non-reducing polysaccharides are described. The derivates can be used to form matrices in various forms, including body members of implantable articles, coatings, and consumer items, which have desirable properties.

Abstract: Implantable medical articles having a coating formed of hydrophobic derivatives of natural biodegradable polysaccharides are described. The coatings can include a bioactive agent, and demonstrate desirable bioactive agent release profiles and can be prepared to have high drug loading. The coated implantable medical articles can be used to treat medical conditions, such as those requiring prolonged administration of the bioactive agent at a target location in the body.

Abstract: A crosslinkable macromer system and related methods of preparing the system and using the system in the form of a crosslinked matrix between a tissue site and an implant article such as a tissue implant or on the porous surface of a prosthetic device. The macromer system includes two or more polymer-pendent polymerizable groups and one or more initiator groups (e.g., polymer-pendent initiator groups). The polymerizable groups and the initiator group(s), when polymer-pendent, can be pendent on the same or different polymeric backbones. The macromer system provides advantages over the use of polymerizable macromers and separate, low molecular weight initiators, including advantages with respect to such properties as nontoxicity, efficiency, and solubility. A macromer system of the invention can be used as an interface between the tissue site and implant article in a manner sufficient to permit tissue growth through the crosslinked matrix and between the tissue site and implant.

Abstract: A method of forming a polymer layer on a support surface by the use of a coating agent and polymerizable compounds. The coating agent provides photoreactive groups adapted to attach the agent to the surface, as well as photoreactive groups adapted to remain unattached to the surface, and thus serve as photoinitiators for the activation of polymerizable compounds in order to form a polymer layer thereon. Also provided are coating agents, per se, as well as a method of using such agents and the resultant surfaces and devices fabricated therefrom.

Abstract: A coating composition, in both its uncrosslinked and crosslinked forms, for use in delivering a medicament from the surface of a medical device positioned in vivo. Once crosslinked, the coating composition provides a gel matrix adapted to contain the medicament in a form that permits the medicament to be released from the matrix in a prolonged, controlled, predictable and effective manner in vivo. A composition includes a polyether monomer, such as an alkoxy poly(alkylene glycol), a carboxylic acid-containing monomer, such as (meth)acrylic acid, a photoderivatized monomer, and a hydrophilic monomer such as acrylamide.

Abstract: A coating composition for use in coating implantable medical devices to improve their ability to release bioactive agents in vivo. The coating composition is particularly adapted for use with devices that undergo significant flexion and/or expansion in the course of their delivery and/or use, such as stents and catheters. The composition includes the bioactive agent in combination with a mixture of a first polymer component such as poly(butyl methacrylate) and a second polymer component such as poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate).