The continued development of a novel drug delivery vehicle for pharmacological treatment of tumors is proposed. The vehicle is a star structured polymer having lipophilic and hydrophilic segments to promote both encapsulation of poorly soluble drugs and solubility of the complex in physiological fluids. In an aqueous environment the star polymer forms a """"""""unimolecular micelle"""""""", which shields the encapsulated drug from the outer environment. The stability of the unimolecular structure will minimize early degradation of the encapsulated drug, decrease harmful side effects from premature drug release, and facilitate site-specific drug targeting to selected tissues. Each micelle will have an identical structure and molecular weight that will promote uniform drug loading levels and a predictable, well-controlled drug release rate.
The specific aims i n the Phase II program are a) to synthesize a range of star polymer structures to develop structure-property relationships, b) to use these structures to develop and optimize the drug encapsulation process for the model anticancer drug etoposide, and, c) by in vitro and in vivo testing at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, determine whether incorporation of anticancer drugs into star polymer micelle enhances therapy of cancer tumors.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB)
Type
Small Business Innovation Research Grants (SBIR) - Phase II (R44)
Project #
5R44EB000551-03
Application #
6799200
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-SSS-L (10))
Program Officer
Moy, Peter
Project Start
2003-09-08
Project End
2006-06-30
Budget Start
2004-07-01
Budget End
2006-06-30
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
2004
Total Cost
$385,326
Indirect Cost
Name
Eic Laboratories, Inc.
Department
Type
DUNS #
076603836
City
Norwood
State
MA
Country
United States
Zip Code
02062