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Intellectual Property Office

Microgels with Acid-Degradable Polymer Backbones for Delivering Bioactive Materials IB-1809b

APPLICATIONS OF TECHNOLOGY:

Berkeley Lab synthesis of linear acid-degradable polymers and protein-loaded particles.         
  • Targeted delivery of protein and DNA-based therapeutics
  • Vaccine delivery
  • Cancer immunotherapy
  • Site-specific treatment of inflammation
  • Anti-sense therapy

ADVANTAGES:

  • Quickly degrades into small molecules under mildly acidic environments like those found in tumors, inflammatory tissues and lysosomes and phagolysosomes of antigen presenting cells
  • Remains relatively stable and intact at physiological pH.
  • Can be administered parenterally, intramuscularly, intravenously, intraperitoneally, or by subcutaneous injection or inhalation

ABSTRACT:

Most current degradable drug-delivery systems are based on ester, amide or carbonate polymer linkages which break down gradually via base catalyzed hydrolysis for slow release of drugs.  The risk is that extended use of these slow-biodegradable materials can lead to long-term formation of unnatural vacuoles, which can be toxic to the cell.

The Berkeley Lab polymer system, developed by Jean Frechet and colleagues, is based on main chain polymer backbones which completely and quickly degrade under the mildly acidic conditions present where drug or vaccine delivery is often desired. For more information see the related publication.

 

STATUS:

  • PCT Patent Application WO 2007/131193 available at www.wipo.int.
  • Available for licensing or collaborative research

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Jain, R., Standley, S. M., Frechet, J.M.J., “Synthesis and Degradation of pH-Sensitive Linear Poly(amidoamine)s,” Macromolecules 2007, 40, 452-457.

REFERENCE NUMBER: IB-1809b

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