Products

Inson’s initial focus is on two technologies patented by the University of Washington Engineered Biomaterials group. Both utilize an innovative “rate-limiting barrier” technology that can be grown onto the surface of virtually all types of approved polymeric biomaterials. This novel self-assembled monolayer (SAM) coating can perform one of two actions depending on changes in growth conditions and material types. With one SAM formulation, the barrier can be utilized as a rate-limiting barrier capable of delivering a constant dosage of medication (from 24 hours to 45 days). This is more commonly known as zero-order release (ZOR) kinetics and has not been achieved previously in a simple polymeric controlled release device (see Figure 1A). A more stringent formulation completely blocks all drug release until an external stimulus is applied via ultrasound (see Figure 1B). Once the stimulus is removed, the barrier reassembles and ‘heals’ itself shutting off the flow of drug. This application allows Inson to administer medications on-demand in a manner that is secure.

ZOR Applications

As ZOR kinetics yield a constant dosage of medication over time, they are useful in the delivery of small molecules as well as the newer, protein-based medicines.

Inson is currently testing a simple drug eluting device which can fit onto the haptic arms of an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) for the prevention of complications following cataract surgery in both humans and animals. IOL replacement surgery and the follow-up operations that treat their complications are the first and second most frequently performed ophthalmologic procedures. Each year over 18 million IOL replacements are performed in humans and 80,000 replacements are performed in animals. Complications from surgery include inflammation, infection, and posterior capsular opacification (PCO), a condition where remaining lens cells grow over the surface of the IOL causing it to become opaque (this condition is also referred to as a "secondary cataract"). The Inson Solution^TM has the potential to fundamentally change cataract surgery in both animals and humans, resulting in fewer complications and better visual outcomes.

Several areas of business development remain in areas such as solid tumors, diabetes, pain management and other ocular diseases.

SODR Applications

To-date, Inson has tested the SODR device with the release of a broad stream antibiotic for the prevention of biofilms (large bacterial colonies) in conjunction with the University of Washington [Norris et al., 2005]. Current development plans are underway for additional on-demand release applications in the areas of:

Diabetes
Obesity
Pain Management
Cancer Treatment

Publications

Garty, S.; Shirakawa, R.; Warson, A.; Noble, M.; Bryers, J.D.; Ranter, B.D. JBMR 2008, In Preparation.

Kwok, C.S.; Mourad, P.D.; Crum, L.A.; Ratner, B.D. JBMR 2001, 57, 151-164.

Kwok, C.S.; Mourad, P.D.; Crum, L.A.; Ratner, B.D. Biomacromol 2000, 1, 139-148.

Kwok, C.S.; Horbett, T.A..; Ratner, B.D. J Control Release 1999b, 6, 301-311.

Norris, P.; Noble, M.;Francolini, I.; Vinogradov, A.; Stewart, P.;Ratner, B.D.; Costerton, J.W.; Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2005, 49, 4272-9.

Left A depiction of drug molecules (orange balls) escaping using zero-order release (ZOR) kinetics from a loosely-assembled barrier coating.

Right Ultrasound waves (depicted in red) disrupting the well-ordered barrier chains and allowing the drug to escape.