Biodegradable polymers (1) have gained attention in recent years because of their potential as drug carriers in medical device & pharmaceutical delivery technologies. Dr. Uhrich of Rutgers University contributed to the field by synthesizing several PolyNSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug polymers). These polymers contain degradable ester and anhydride linkages which on erosion releases the active drug over a specific period. However, the melt polymerization methods used by Dr. Uhrich’s (2) produced low molecular weight polymers with poor mechanical properties that often resulted in bulk erosion. Because of the harsh polymerization conditions used in melt polymerization the method is not applicable to thermally labile drugs. Polymerix Corporation, which was founded originally based on Dr. Uhrich’s technology, has developed dehydrative coupling polymerization methods (3) that are milder and more efficient. Taking advantage of the newer synthetic methods, Polymerix developed a library of biodegradable PolyNSAIDs from salicylic acid, diflunisal and salsalate with a wider range of molecular weights and glass transitions and with a very high drug load of 70 to 90% by weight. The polymers synthesized by Polymerix’ solution methods exhibit Surface erosion (4) and release of the active drug in a controlled fashion. These advantages have led to the synthesis of new families of polymers that incorporate other pharmaceuticals directly into the polymer backbone.
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