title: Biochronomer technology.
abstract: Biochronomer (AP Pharma) is a fourth-generation poly(ortho ester) prepared by the condensation of diols and a diketene acetal. The polymer contains a copolymerised latent acid whose concentration controls erosion rate. The polymer has been shown to undergo a surface erosion process and a number of applications have been explored. Among these, the delivery of plasmid DNA for vaccines is currently of most interest. This application takes advantage of the acid-labile nature of the polymer, which leads to rapid polymer hydrolysis and hence rapid release of plasmid DNA once internalised in the acidic environment within the endosomes, and the non-acidic environment within the polymer that conserves plasmid DNA conformation. A low molecular semisolid polymer is now in Phase II clinical trials for the delivery of mepivacaine to control postoperative pain, and in Phase I clinical trials for the systemic delivery of granisetron to control nausea.
authors.affiliation: jorgeheller2@aol.com
authors.forename: Jorge
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Heller
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Barr
mesh_terms: D000779:Anesthetics, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002626:Chemistry, Pharmaceutical; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D005782:Gels; D017829:Granisetron / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D006868:Hydrolysis; D008619:Mepivacaine / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009325:Nausea / Q000517:prevention & control; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000517:prevention & control; D049388:Polyanhydrides / Q000737:chemistry; D011091:Polyesters / Q000737:chemistry; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry*; D012702:Serotonin Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012995:Solubility; D013499:Surface Properties; D013997:Time Factors; D019444:Vaccines, DNA / Q000008:administration & dosage*
chemical_list: D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D005782:Gels; D017829:Granisetron; D008619:Mepivacaine; D049388:Polyanhydrides; D011091:Polyesters; D011108:Polymers; D012702:Serotonin Antagonists; D019444:Vaccines, DNA