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Abstract

Abstract: DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The incidence of diabetes mellitus in adults is on the rise globally and constitutes a major health problem. We are proposing the development of a new encapsulated glucose-responsive insulin secreting cell implants for the treatment of type I diabetes, using poly(gamma-glutamic acid) (gamma-PGA). Previously unavailable, very high molecular weight gamma-PGA will be prepared, using a proprietary process. Preliminary data from pilot studies indicate that gamma-PGA constitutes a promising material and viable approach for efficacious and prolonged insulin delivery in therapeutic uses. PROPOSED COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS: Diabetes mellitus constitutes a major health problem. Diabetes can lead to many complications, e.g., lower extremity ulcers, visual dysfunctions, and impaired wound healing. About 90% of the costs of diabetes therapy are spent on diabetes communications. Over $11 billion is spend on end-stage renal disease treatment alone. Successful development of insulin-PGA delivery systems will have a major impact on diabetes therapy. Achieving the preparation of biocompatible PGA for cell encapsulation will constitute a major milestone in the use of biopolymers.

Thesaurus Terms:
cell sorting, chemical synthesis, cytology, drug delivery system, polyglutamate, polymer, technology /technique development, tissue /cell preparation
cell transplantation, insulin, insulin dependent diabetes mellitus, microcapsule

Institution:	CARBOMER, INC.
	2 OLDE CONNECTICUT PATH
	WESTBOROUGH, MA 01581
Fiscal Year:	2002
Department:
Project Start:	01-AUG-2002
Project End:	31-JUL-2003
ICD:	NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF DIABETES AND DIGESTIVE AND KIDNEY DISEASES
IRG:	ZRG1