Abstract:
Biocompatible copolymers are manufactured to include a zwitterionic monomer and an alkoxy acrylate monomer. The alkoxy acrylate monomer can be a 2-methoxyethyl methacrylate (MOEMA) or a 2-methoxyethyl methacrylate (EOEMA). Alternatively, the alkoxy acrylate can be 2-methoxyethyl acrylate (MOEA) or 2-ethoxyethyl acrylate (EOEA). The alkoxy acrylate monomers advantageously give the zwitterionic copolymers greater ductility, strength, and toughness while maintaining a desired amount of hydrophilicity. The improved toughness allows the zwitterionic copolymers to be processed without cross-linking, which improves the elongation properties of the zwitterionic copolymer, and reduces the risk of cracking during use.
Abstract:
The present disclosure teaches methods of controlling the release rate of agents from a polymeric matrix that include designing and creating a predetermined initial morphology (IM) profile in a polymeric matrix. The teachings indicate, inter alia, that control over the release rate of agents can provide for an improved control over the administration of agents as well as have an effect upon the mechanical integrity and absorption rate of the polymeric matrix.
Abstract:
A coating for a medical device, particularly for a drug eluting stent, is described. The coating can include a polyacrylate, a blend of polyacrylates, or a blend of the polyacrylate with other polymers, for example, poly(ethylene-co-vinyl alcohol).
Abstract:
Biocompatible copolymers are manufactured to include a zwitterionic monomer and an alkoxy acrylate monomer. The alkoxy acrylate monomer can be a 2-methoxyethyl methacrylate (MOEMA) or 2-ethoxyethyl methacrylate (EOEMA). Alternatively, the alkoxy acrylate can be 2-methoxyethyl acrylate (MOEA) or 2-ethoxyethyl acrylate (EOEA). The alkoxy acrylate monomers advantageously give the zwitterionic copolymers greater ductility, strength, and toughness while maintaining a desired amount of hydrophilicity. The improved toughness allows the zwitterionic copolymers to be processed without cross-linking, which improves the elongation properties of the zwitterionic copolymer, and reduces the risk of cracking during use.
Abstract:
A method of coating an implantable medical device, such as a stent, is disclosed. The method includes applying a formulation on a first polymer layer containing a therapeutic substance to form a second layer. The formulation can contain a highly hydrophobic polymer or a solvent which is a poor solvent for the drug or the polymer of the first layer. The formulation can have a low surface tension value or a high Weber number value.
Abstract:
A drug-delivery system is provided including at least 100 μg of everolimus and clobetasol, such that the ratio of everolimus to clobetasol is at least 10:1 (w/w) or the amount of everolimus by weight is at least 10 times more than clobetasol. The system can be a stent. Also provided a method of treating restenosis or vulnerable plaque of a blood vessel, the method includes locally administering to a patient a first drug selected from a group consisting of rapamycin (sirolimus), Biolimus A9, deforolimus, AP23572, tacrolimus, temsirolimus, pimecrolimus, zotarolimus (ABT-578), 40-O-(2-hydroxy)ethylrapamycin (everolimus), 40-O-(3-hydroxy)propylrapamycin, 40-O-[2-(2-hydroxy)ethoxy]ethylrapamycin, 40-O-tetrazolylrapamycin and 40-epi-(N1-tetrazolyl)rapamycin, and locally administering to a patient a second drug consisting of clobetasol, wherein the minimum amount of the first drug that is locally administered is 100 μg, and wherein the ratio of the first drug to the second drug is, for example, 10:1 to 100:1 (w/w).