| DRUG DELIVERY APPLICATIONS
The MICROMUSCLE electroactive polymer technology can be used for electrically controlled release of substances contained within the polymer. This enables controlled drug delivery as pharmacological substances can be incorporated into the polymer film during production. The substances move out from the electro-active polymer film when a low voltage is applied. The voltage level is used for controlling the release profile of the substance.
Voltage controlled release of substance from EAP layer
Local and controlled release of one or several substances can be achieved from a thin polymer coating that has been incorporated into an already existing device. The electro-active polymer can be applied on various medical devices that are used during interventional procedures, for example disposable device parts used during balloon expansion and arterial stenting.
The main advantages of EAP drug delivery coatings are:
- Drug release can be initiated, stopped and resumed on command. A fast burst release can also be achieved.
- Several substances can be incorporated and released in sequence at a specific site and at selected times.
- The electro-active polymer can be integrated as a very thin coating on existing devices that are used during a procedure. The clinical procedure can be simplified and shortened since no extra devices need to be inserted.
- Only low voltages and currents are needed
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Voltage controlled substance release of a sequence of different substances |
APPLICATION EXAMPLE- VASCULAR DRUG DELIVERY
New controlled release drug coatings can be constructed when electro-active polymers are incorporated as thin coatings on various medical devices. Micromuscle’s target applications for these new drug/device combinations are interventional procedures in vascular environments. Controlled release of drugs can be achieved from disposable devices that are used during the surgical procedure but also from implanted devices. A visual example is shown below where an indicator substance is released from a stent.
Voltage controlled substance release from EAP stent coating
As an example, Micromuscle has also demonstrated release of the pharmacological substance Dexamethasone phosphate, which is used in vascular applications such as stents. By applying a low negative voltage release of the drug was achieved.
Micromuscle seeks to partner with medical device manufacturers, coating technology providers or pharmaceutical firms and welcomes inquiries from potential partners on joint development projects for new drug/device combinations.
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