Protein Delivery
As more therapeutic proteins are developed by the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, delivery of these molecules in a manner that meets dosing requirements, is efficacious, and increases patient compliance is critical.
Given the size, as well as complex and fragile physical/chemical structure of protein molecules, protein delivery requires unique delivery methods and tools. The delivery system (matrix, coating, etc.) must not only be able to elute such a large molecule, but also have the ability to stabilize molecular structures of proteins to preserve bioactivity. SurModics has employed its expertise in polymer chemistry and other core biomedical engineering sciences to develop three distinct platforms for the controlled and sustained delivery of therapeutic proteins.
Protein Delivery Coatings
SurModics has developed an innovative approach to the delivery of active therapeutic proteins from a device surface, using a durable / biodegradable hybrid coating technology. This coating technology features:
- Well-characterized polymers with a history of in vivo safety
- Refined processing techniques designed to maximize protein stability
- Compatibility with protein molecules ranging in size from 30 kDa (cytokines) through 150 kDa (IgG)
- Tunable elution profiles with demonstrated release of functional protein from weeks out to several months
Polysaccharide-based Implants and Matrices
SurModics has developed the Eureka™ DUET family of naturally degradable polysaccharides for the delivery of therapeutic proteins. Eureka™ DUET polymers can be fabricated into pre-formed implant geometries such as filaments, coils, and foams, or they can be used to prepare matrices and scaffolds in situ. The Eureka™ DUET system features:
- Enzyme-mediated, surface-based degradation
- Aqueous processing with no harsh solvents
- Compatibility with protein molecules ranging in size from 30 kDa (cytokines) through 150 kDa (IgG)
- Naturally-stabilizing environment with functional protein maintained in Eureka™ implants up to 6 months in vivo
- Tunable elution profiles with sustained release of functional protein demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo
PLG-based Microparticles and Implants
SurModics' Brookwood Pharmaceuticals subsidiary has developed degradable microparticle and implant formulations for delivery of therapeutic proteins. These formulations utilize well-characterized polymers and are suitable for systemic or local delivery.
SurModics also offers a broad complement of protein analytical capabilities to accelerate the product development process. These capabilities include protein assay development and high-throughput ELISA equipment, spectroscopic tools such as NMR, IR, and mass spectrometry, column chromatography, and various other protein-specific assays and techniques.
Overall, SurModics is well-positioned to continue the advancement of protein delivery technologies with all three of its protein delivery platforms.
