EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Spray-On Wound Dressing

SUMMARY:  Prof. Patrick J. Sinko in the Department of Pharmaceutics, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy at Rutgers University has developed a novel and easy to use hydrogel-based technology for wound healing and/or topical application of therapeutics.  Siuta Consulting has been retained by Rutgers to identify partners for the further development of this technology.

BACKGROUND:  Hydrogels have been used to release drugs slowly over time, to protect drugs from degradation or to trigger drug release in response to various stimuli such as, for example, temperature, insulin blood levels or inflammation.  Due to their high water content and soft and elastic consistency, hydrogels resemble natural tissue causing minimal mechanical irritation.

TECHNOLOGY:  This technology utilizes a poly(ethyleneglycol) (PEG), which is widely used in human applications because of its high and proven biocompatibility.  New functionalized PEGs are under development that promote wound healing without the aid of therapeutic agents.  Upon actuation of the spray device, the hydrogel liquid instantly sets and a gel is completely formed in less than one minute.  The rapid setting feature translates into a very low “burst effect”, which is important for drug delivery.  Unlike most hydrogels, the Sinko group has developed hydrogel systems that can control the topical delivery of even water-soluble therapeutic agents for several days up to weeks.  The hydrogels can be engineered to be degradable on demand, spontaneously biodegradable, or nondegradable.  In this context the research work of Prof. Sinko and his research team addresses an unmet need for wound healing and drug delivery.

PATENT STATUS:  The following two patent applications have been filed: 

PCT Patent Application Number WO2006069344 entitled “Controlled Release Hydrogels” was published on June 29, 2006 and claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/638,552 that was filed December 22, 2004

LICENSE TERMS:  Rutgers is interested in granting an exclusive license for use of the hydrogel with a licensee’s proprietary product.  A non-exclusive license for use of the technology is also available.