PLGA-PEG-PLGA from PolySciTech used in development of gel for treatment of nerve-damage and paralysis

PLGA-PEG-PLGA is a polymer which can dissolve in cold water and form into a gel at increased temperature and, as such, is referred to as a thermogel. Peripheral nerve injury (PNI) is a significant medical issue occurring in approximately 3% of all trauma patients and often leads to paralysis or malfunction of affected parts of the body. Erythropoietin (EPO) is an endogenous stimulant of vessel growth and can aid in tissue repair by promoting cell proliferation and vasculogenesis. Recently, researchers at Pennsylvania State University and University of Arizona used PLGA-PEG-PLGA (PolyVivo cat# AK097) from PolySciTech Division of Akina, Inc. (www.polyscitech.com) to create an EPO loaded thermogel and researched the use of this for treatment of PNI. This research holds promise to improve the treatment of PNI and reduce the incidence of nerve-damage induced paralysis. Read more: Manto, Kristen M., Prem Kumar Govindappa, Brandon Martinazzi, Aijie Han, John P. Hegarty, Zachary Koroneos, M. A. Talukder, and John C. Elfar. "Erythropoietin-PLGA-PEG as a local treatment to promote functional recovery and neurovascular regeneration after peripheral nerve injury." Journal of Nanobiotechnology 20, no. 1 (2022): 1-17. https://jnanobiotechnology.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12951-022-01666-5

“Abstract: Background: Traumatic peripheral nerve injury (TPNI) is a major medical problem with no universally accepted pharmacologic treatment. We hypothesized that encapsulation of pro-angiogenic erythropoietin (EPO) in amphiphilic PLGA-PEG block copolymers could serve as a local controlled-release drug delivery system to enhance neurovascular regeneration after nerve injury. Methods: In this study, we synthesized an EPO-PLGA-PEG block copolymer formulation. We characterized its physiochemical and release properties and examined its effects on functional recovery, neural regeneration, and blood vessel formation after sciatic nerve crush injury in mice. Results: EPO-PLGA-PEG underwent solution-to-gel transition within the physiologically relevant temperature window and released stable EPO for up to 18 days. EPO-PLGA-PEG significantly enhanced sciatic function index (SFI), grip strength, and withdrawal reflex post-sciatic nerve crush injury. Furthermore, EPO-PLGA-PEG significantly increased blood vessel density, number of junctions, and myelinated nerve fibers after injury. Conclusion: This study provides promising preclinical evidence for using EPO-PLGA-PEG as a local controlled-release treatment to enhance functional outcomes and neurovascular regeneration in TPNI.”