Abstract: An implantable medical device, such as a stent, is disclosed. The device includes a substrate and a polymeric layer including poly(methylmethacrylate) or poly(butylmethacrylate) supported by the substrate. The polymeric layer contains rapamycin. A barrier is over at least a portion of the polymeric layer to reduce the rate of release of rapamycin from the implantable medical device. The polymeric layer can additionally include poly(ethylene co-vinyl acetate).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a kinetic implant comprising (a) biodegradable material comprising opened starch, destructurised starch or a mixture of opened starch and destructurised starch, (b) a biologically or pharmaceutically active substance; and (c) a stabilising component stabilising the biologically or pharmaceutically active substance. The biodegradable material comprises about 50 to about 100 wt. % of opened starch, destructurised starch or a mixture of opened starch, based on the total weight of the biodegradable material, said biodegradable material having a bulk density of 1.0 to 1.5 kg/dm3. The kinetic implant has a length:diameter ratio of more than 4, provided that the length of the kinetic implant is between 1 mm to 50 mm. The kinetic implant has a weight such that it can be provided with an amount of kinetic energy in the range of 0.1 to 10 J.

Abstract: A pretreatment kit and a pretreatment kit for saliva in identification and quantitative determination of Streptococci mutans by immunochromatography utilizing an antigen-antibody reaction, which can remove aggregation caused by mucin and chain formation of Streptococci mutans in saliva in a simple operation and can efficiently flow out a complex of a labeled antibody and Streptococci mutans from a porous membrane retaining the labeled antibody, contains (A) a 0.01 to 10 mol/L aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide, (B) a 0.01 to 3 mol/L aqueous solution of tartaric acid and/or citric acid, and (C) a nonionic surface active agent and/or an amphoteric surface active agent, in which the component (C) is mixed with the components (A) and/or (B), or is provided separately, and at least one substance selected from the particular metallic salts is contained in at least one of the components (A), (B) and (C) in an amount of 5 to 25% by weight.

Abstract: Biodegradable neurotoxin implants and methods of making and using such implants are provided. Biodegradable neurotoxin implants include a neurotoxin, a biodegradable polymer component, and an acidity regulating component. The biodegradable polymer component is effective in controlling the release of the neurotoxin from the implant when the implant is located in a patient's body. The acidity regulating component is effective in maintaining a pH of the implant in a desired range that may be effective in stabilizing the neurotoxin as the implant biodegrades when the implant is located in a patient's body. In one embodiment, an implant includes a botulinum toxin, a biodegradable polymer, and either monomers from which a biodegradable polymer is derived or oligomers including monomeric units substantially identical to a monomer from which a biodegradable polymer is derived, or a combination of such monomers and oligomers. The oligomers and biodegradable polymer may be derived from a single type of monomer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel cement powder comprising an organic component consisting of one or more biocompatible and bioresorbable polymers and an inorganic component consisting of one or more calcium phosphate compounds. The invention also relates to the apatitic CPC resulting from the mixing of said cement powder with a liquid phase and setting.

Abstract: A biocompatible, bioerodable polyanhydride polymer having a Young's modulus between about 1.5 and 3 and a selected rate of surface degradation, and methods of forming and using the polymer, are disclosed. The polymer is formed of a polyester prepolymer having a preferred molecular weight of greater than 5 and less than 7.5 Kdaltons, and a selected number of anhydride linkages between 5 and about 30.

Abstract: The present invention provides a biomedical, biocompatible, polymeric foam scaffold suitable for use in the repair and regeneration of tissue and which contains located therein a network of, branched channels that are effective to encourage and facilitate vascularization and tissue growth within the scaffold and to methods for making such biomedical scaffolds.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the invention, implantable and insertable medical devices are provided that include (a) a substrate, (b) a porous layer comprising interconnected pores disposed over the substrate, (c) at least one first therapeutic agent disposed within and/or beneath the porous layer, (d) a composite layer disposed over the porous layer that includes (i) at least one therapeutic agent eluting region containing at least one second therapeutic agent and at least one matrix material and (ii) at least one bioerodible region containing at least one bioerodible material that extends from the surface of the composite layer to the porous layer.

Abstract: Variation in precursor ratio and mass of double bond functionalized polyhydric alcohol precursor and polyethylene glycol diacrylate precursor provide a wide range of release rates of drug or other biologically active agent from hydrogel formed therefrom.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds of formula I, which are unsymmetrical aromatic ether diacids, and polymers formed from the same. [R?—(Y)p—O]q—Ar—[O—(X)r—R?]s ??I Polymers formed from the functionalized unsymmetrical aromatic ether diacids are expected to have controllable degradation profiles, enabling them to release an active component over a desired time range. The polymers are also expected to be useful in a variety of medical applications.

Abstract: Implantable compositions capable of providing release of bioactive agents according to a predetermined release profile and methods for their use. Such compositions include at least one ceramic substrate; a bioactive substance loaded on a surface of a said ceramic substrate forming a loaded surface zone operable to release said bioactive substance according to a release profile under physiological conditions; and a biodegradable polymer having an in vivo degradation period, forming a continuous or discontinuous coating on an area of a said ceramic substrate. The composition comprises at least two said loaded surface zones having different release profiles, or at least two said coatings having different in vivo degradation periods.

Abstract: This invention is generally related to coating layers for implantable medical devices, such as drug delivery vascular stents, and methods of fabricating coated implantable medical devices. Specifically various embodiments of the present invention include methods of fabricating and modulating of coating layers to enhance bioabsorption. The coating layers include poly(ester-amide) and/or poly(amide) polymers.

Abstract: A method of controlling the drug release rate of a drug coated endovascular stent by depositing a drug material layer on the stent and then modifying the drug material using gas cluster ion beam irradiation to create a carbon matrix with interstices containing the original drug. The rate at which the drug elutes through the interstices can be controlled by processing parameters. Multiple layers may be employed to create time varying release rates.

Abstract: Surgically implantable drug delivery systems for long-term delivery of haloperidol containing a biodegradable polymer and haloperidol fabricated into the surgically implantable drug delivery systems via solvent casting and compression molding are provided. Also provided are methods for producing the surgically implantable drug delivery systems and methods for using these systems in the treatment of psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for forming on a medical device, preferably an ophthalmic lens, more preferably a contact lens, a diffusion-controllable coating capable of controlling the out-diffusion or release of guest materials from the medical device. The method of the invention comprises: (1) applying one layer of clay and optionally one or more layers of polyionic materials onto the medical device; or (2) applying alternatively a layer of a first polyionic material and a layer of a second polyionic material having charges opposite of the charges of the first polyionic material onto the medical device and releasing the coated medical device into a releasing medium having a composition capable of imparting a desired permeability to the diffusion-controllable coating on the medical device.

Abstract: The present invention is related to methods for preparing composite materials, which include nanoscale hydroxyapatite, and the composite materials and articles prepared therewith.

Abstract: A method of treatment for treating, at least partially preventing, inhibiting or reducing growth of a bone tumor in a subject, including at least partially removing a bone tumor from a subject and contacting an area of bone adjacent to where the tumor was at least partially removed with a gel containing a tumor growth-inhibiting methylol transfer agent.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method for controlling the elution of a drug from a stent and a drug-eluting stent capable of reducing the restenosis rate after therapy. A coating composition for a drug-eluting stent comprising an endothelin receptor antagonist and a copolymer of 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine and n-butyl methacrylate. The elution of the endothelin receptor antagonist from the coating composition can be controlled by varying the ratio of 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine to n-butyl methacrylate in the copolymer.

Abstract: The present application discloses that incorporation of dermatan sulfate and/or HA in composite scaffolds of certain polymers gives rise to a chondrogenic effect on chondrocytes resulting in formation of cartilage that resembles the natural ECM. This effect with dermatan sulfate as the primary additive has not previously been seen. The composites are formed by incorporation of dermatan sulfate finely dispersed particles optionally nanoparticles or as molecular dissolutions in a polymer matrix with no bonding between the DS and the matrix, providing the DS to the chondrocytes in an accessible non-crosslinked form.

Abstract: Precut, user-shapeable, resorbable polymer micro-membranes are disclosed. The micro-membranes are constructed of resorbable polymers, which are engineered to attenuate adhesions and to be absorbed into the body relatively slowly over time. The membranes can formed to have very thin thicknesses, for example, thicknesses between about 0.010 mm and about 0.300 mm, while maintaining adequate strength. The membranes can be extruded from polylactide polymers having a relatively high viscosity property, can be stored in sterile packages, and can be preshaped with relatively high reproducibility during implantation procedures.

Abstract: The present inventions provide various embodiments of medical devices coated with a therapeutic coating comprising a mTOR targeting compound and a calcineurin inhibitor, and methods of applying said coatings. In various aspects, the therapeutic coating comprises a bio-absorbable carrier component at least partially formed of a cellular uptake inhibitor and a cellular uptake enhancer, a mTOR targeting compound and a calcineurin inhibitor. In various aspects, the present invention provides for controlled delivery, which is at least partially characterized by total and relative amounts of a cellular uptake inhibitor and cellular uptake enhancer in a bio-absorbable carrier component.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to implantable bioabsorbable non-woven self-cohered web materials having a high degree of porosity. The web materials are very supple and soft, while exhibiting proportionally increased mechanical strength in one or more directions. The web materials often possess a high degree of loft. The web materials can be formed into a variety of shapes and forms suitable for use as implantable medical devices or components thereof. The web materials possess haemostatic properties.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to implantable bioabsorbable non-woven self-cohered web materials having a high degree of porosity. The web materials are very supple and soft, while exhibiting proportionally increased mechanical strength in one or more directions. The web materials often possess a high degree of loft. The web materials can be formed into a variety of shapes and forms suitable for use as implantable medical devices or components thereof.

Abstract: An implantable device includes a reservoir containing a suspension of an interferon in an amount sufficient to provide continuous delivery of the interferon at a therapeutically effective rate of 1 ng/day to 600 ?g/day to maintain and achieve therapeutic blood or plasma levels of the interferon throughout a substantial period of the administration period.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to implantable bioabsorbable non-woven self-cohered web materials having a very high degree of porosity. The web materials are very supple and soft, while exhibiting proportionally increased mechanical strength in one or more directions. The web materials often possess a high degree of loft. The web materials can be formed into a variety of shapes and forms suitable for use as implantable medical devices or components thereof. In some embodiments, the web materials exhibit significant thrombogenic properties.

Abstract: A graft prostheses (11), materials and method for implanting, transplanting, replacing, or repairing a part of a patient. The graft prosthesis includes a purified, collagen-based matrix structure removed from a submucosa tissue source. The submucosa tissue source is purified by disinfection and removal steps to deactivate and remove contaminants, thereby making the purified structure biocompatible and suitable for grafting on and/or in a patient.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for delivering drugs, gene vectors, naturally-occurring or synthetic hormones or proteins or other bioactive agents within a patient's vasculature. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus comprises a material that elutes or secretes a bioactive agent and is held in place within the patient's vessel by an anchor. The material may comprise a biocompatible, and optionally, absorbable matrix, or a culture medium that sustains and nourishes stem cells, spleen cells or pancreatic islets or other beneficial cells. The anchor and material are sized and/or collapsible from a delivery configuration, in which the anchor and material may be delivered into the patient's vasculature within a delivery sheath, to a deployed configuration, wherein the anchor engages an interior wall of the patient's vessel. The apparatus of the invention may be temporarily or permanently implanted, and may in addition self reconfigure after a predetermined period of residency.

Abstract: Hydrogels releasing or producing NO, most preferably polymerizable biodegradable hydrogels capable of releasing physiological amounts of NO for prolonged periods of time, are applied to sites on or in a patient in need of treatment thereof for disorders such as restenosis, thrombosis, asthma, wound healing, arthritis, penile erectile dysfunction or other conditions where NO plays a significant role. The polymeric materials can be formed into films, coatings, or microparticles for application to medical devices, such as stents, vascular grafts and catheters. The polymeric materials can also be applied directly to biological tissues and can be polymerized in situ. The hydrogels are formed of macromers, which preferably include biodegradable regions, and have bound thereto groups that are released in situ to elevate or otherwise modulate NO levels at the site where treatment is needed.

Abstract: A semi-crystalline, absorbable copolyester composition comprising the reaction product of a polycondensation polyester and at least one lactone, wherein the polycondensation polyester comprises the reaction product of diglycolic acid and/or a derivative thereof and diethylene glycol; and the copolyester comprises about 30 to 50% by weight of the polycondensation polyester based on the total weight of the copolyester.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for reducing, treating or preventing postoperative pain and/or inflammation in a patient in need of such treatment, the methods and compositions comprising administering one or more biodegradable drug depots comprising a therapeutically effective amount of diclofenac and/or ketoprofen or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof to a target tissue site, wherein the drug depot releases an effective amount of diclofenac and/or ketoprofen or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof over a period of 3 to 15 days.

Abstract: Medical devices having a plurality of nanoparticles disposed over a surface of the medical device. The nanoparticles have a core comprising a therapeutic agent and a shell surrounding the core, wherein the shell comprises a metal. A barrier layer is disposed over the nanoparticles. The barrier layer is water-permeable and comprises a metal that may be different from the metal used in the nanoparticle shells. In certain embodiments, the metal in the barrier layer undergoes galvanic corrosion. Also disclosed are medical device having a reservoir containing a therapeutic agent, with nanoparticles and a barrier layer being disposed over the reservoir; and medical devices having multiple barrier layers and multiple reservoirs containing therapeutic agents.

Abstract: An improved drug delivery composition and method of use is disclosed. The composition comprises one or more biodegradable block copolymer drug carriers; and a reconstitution enhancing and enabling agent comprising polyethylene glycol (PEG), a PEG derivative or a mixture of PEG and a PEG derivative. The composition can be administered as is or after being be dissolved or rapidly reconstituted in an aqueous vehicle to afford a homogeneous solution or uniform colloidal systems.

Abstract: A method for producing a calcium phosphate bone filler by preparing a mixed liquid comprising a calcium solution and a phosphoric acid solution in such a manner that a substrate of calcium phosphate exists in the mixed liquid, thereby precipitating calcium phosphate on the substrate to form a coating layer, and heat-treating the resultant composite comprising the substrate and the coating layer.

Abstract: Pharmaceutically acceptable hydrogel polymers of natural, recombinant or synthetic origin, or hybrids thereof, are introduced in a dry, less hydrated, or substantially deswollen state and rehydrate in a physiological environment to undergo a volumetric expansion and to affect sealing, plugging, or augmentation of tissue, defects in tissue, or of organs. The hydrogel polymers may deliver therapeutic entities by controlled release at the site. Methods to form useful devices from such polymers, and to implant the devices are provided.

Abstract: A sustained release formulation by using dimeticone as the dispersion medium, which includes active ingredient (e.g., drugs against parasites, insecticides, NSAIDs, antibiotics, sex hormone like agents or oily soluble vitamins) and dimeticone as the medium. Suitable stabilizer, antioxidant, local analgesics and material for sustained release may be added. The formulation is bio-compatible, stable and injectable.

Abstract: A drug-eluting endoprosthesis that includes a bioerodible metal portion and a therapeutic agent. In some aspects, the endoprosthesis includes a plurality of discrete deposits and a plurality of overlying layers each overlying one of the plurality of discrete deposits. Each discrete deposit includes one or more therapeutic agents and each overlying layer includes one or more bioerodible metals. In other aspects, the bioerodible metal portion includes at least two bioerodible metal regions having different electronegativities. The at least two bioerodible metal regions being in electrical contact with each other. The bioerodible metal erodes in a physiological environment to release the therapeutic agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for preparing porous natural or synthetic material scaffolds with keratin for improving cell affinity.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are biocompatible and biodegradable polymers comprising one or more ECM-mimetic peptides and one or more biodegradable moieties, wherein the moieties do not comprise an amino acid or residue thereof. Further disclosed herein are methods for making and using the disclosed biocompatible polymers.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions comprising a RAR antagonist for promoting chondrogenesis and to methods employing such compositions for treating cartilage and associated bone abnormalities resulting from injury or disease and for ex vivo tissue engineering.

Abstract: Precut, user-shapeable, resorbable polymer micro-membranes are disclosed. The micro-membranes are constructed of resorbable polymers, which are engineered to attenuate adhesions and to be absorbed into the body relatively slowly over time. The membranes can formed to have very thin thicknesses, for example, thicknesses between about 0.010 mm and about 0.300 mm, while maintaining adequate strength. The membranes can be extruded from polylactide polymers having a relatively high viscosity property, can be stored in sterile packages, and can be preshaped with relatively high reproducibility during implantation procedures.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of improving the osteoinductivity of calcium phosphate materials, to calcium phosphate materials having improved osteoinductivity as well as bone (re)generation scaffolds produced therefrom and to the use of such materials and scaffolds in methods of treatment.

Abstract: Provided is a method of stimulating cartilage formation at a tissue site in a mammal. Also provided is a biocompatible scaffold. Additionally, a system for stimulating cartilage formation at a tissue site is provided. Further provided is the use of a manifold, a chondrocyte, and a reduced-pressure source to stimulate cartilage formation at a tissue site of a mammal.

Abstract: In accordance with certain aspects of the present invention, medical devices are provided which are configured for implantation or insertion into a subject. The medical devices include at least one coating region that comprises (a) a charged polyamino-acid-containing polymer having a first net charge and (b) an additional charged polymer having a second net charge that is opposite in sign to that of the first net charge. The additional charged polymer may or may not be a polyamino-acid-containing polymer.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention relates to tissue graft combination biomaterials capable of controlled release of bioactive agents or pharmaceutically active agents through a rate-controlling polymer coating encapsulating the graft material, methods for preparing same, methods of controlled release using same, and methods for treating tissue defects. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, medical devices are provided which comprise a metallic region and a coating on all or part of the metallic region that comprises a multivalent acid.

Abstract: A stent provided with a composition having at least one type of inhibitor of ATP synthesis, optionally together with at least one inhibitor of the pentose phosphate pathway is disclosed. The medical stent is useful for treating stenosis and preventing restenosis in vascular ducts and for treating cancerous tumors present in ducts, resectioned cavities and scars and any disorder arising from the proliferation of cells in ducts or cavities.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for masking the inner surface of a tubular medical device with a fluid in order to selectively coat the outer surface of the tubular medical device. The inner lumen of the tubular medical device is filled with the fluid prior to deposition of a coating to the outer surface.

Abstract: In the present invention, a biodegradable bone graft is disclosed, which includes: a scaffold made of a biodegradable material; and a collagen-embedding matrix portion which completely encompasses the scaffold. The above-mentioned bone graft can increase the micro-porosity of the scaffold to enable cells to grow adhesively thereon. Compared with the scaffold only, the above-mentioned bone graft has high hydrophilicity. Hence, the bone graft of the present invention can efficiently retain tissue fluid, cell growth factors, blood and/or bone marrow which are mixed with the bone graft beforehand to achieve osteoinduction. Furthermore, the collagen-embedding matrix portion can also serve as a carrier to encompass other bone graft materials and drug molecules. The present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing the above-mentioned bone graft.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drug-loaded implant having a carrier body (10) and at least one drug for delivery into a delivery region. The drug is provided for chemotherapy and/or palliative treatment and can be released topically and/or regionally in a controlled manner at a predefinable rate and/or over a predefinable period of time in the intended active state of the implant.

Abstract: A biodegradable copolymer network, which is particularly suited for use in applications such as interbody implants for bone fusion, is provided. The biodegradable copolymer network of the present invention is biodegradable yet provides sufficient mechanical strength for use in procedures such as spinal fusion. Also provided are methods of producing said biodegradable copolymer network, methods of delivery of biologically active substances, implants comprising said biodegradable copolymer network and methods of administering bioactive and in particular, osteoinductive, substances.