Remotely-activated implantable device for targeted drug delivery

This technology is an implantable microelectromechanical systems (iMEMS) device that may be remotely activated for targeted drug delivery in vivo.

Unmet Need: Implantable drug delivery system that is externally controlled

Implantable medical devices promise to achieve targeted drug delivery of therapeutics to a region of interest without the potential harmful side effects of systemic administration. However, many medical devices themselves exhibit poor biocompatibility or are difficult to control by external signals. As such, there is a need for a biocompatible implantable device that is easily manipulated by external signals for regulated drug delivery.

The Technology: Biocompatible hydrogel iMEMS device enables targeted drug delivery using external signals

This technology is an iMEMS device that enables targeted drug delivery. Unlike existing devices, this technology is fabricated from biocompatible polymers with tunable mechanical properties and permeability. The iMEMS device contains a drug reservoir formed from a responsive polymer that is externally activated by a magnetic field, high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), or infrared radiation. Upon external activation, the responsive polymer releases the drug for targeted drug delivery. As HIFU achieves greater tissue penetration than magnetic fields or infrared radiation, a HIFU-activated iMEMS device may achieve controlled drug delivery even in deeper tissues.

This technology has been demonstrated in a mouse model of osteosarcoma for triggered release of doxorubicin with high efficacy and low toxicity compared to systemic chemotherapy.

Applications:

• Drug delivery
• Targeted chemotherapy
• Implantable biosensors
• Development of additional biocompatible medical devices

Advantages:

• Biocompatible materials
• Reduced side effects
• Non-invasive activation after implantation
• Controlled drug delivery
• Greater tissue penetration depths than conventional approaches

Lead Inventor:

Samuel Sia, Ph.D.

Patent Information:

Patent Issued

Related Publications:

• Chin SY, Poh YC, Kohler AC, Compton JT, Hsu LL, Lau KM, Kim S, Lee BW, Lee FY, Sia SK. “Additive manufacturing of hydrogel-based materials for next-generation implantable medical devices” Sci Rep. 2017 Jan 4;2(2).

• Ordeig O, Chin SY, Kim S, Chitnis PV, Sia SK. “An implantable compound-releasing capsule triggered on demand by ultrasound” Sci Rep. 2016 Mar 11;6: 228803.

Tech Ventures Reference:

• IR CU12020, IR CU12228

• Licensing Contact: Beth Kauderer