Recent Patent describes use of PolySciTech thermogels for treatment of ocular fungal infection

Fungal keratitis is a common and debilitating corneal disease in horses, with the reported incidence in North America of approximately 25% in 2013. This disease can be treated with antifungal agents such as voriconazole, however efficacy from conventional drops is low due to rapid clearance of the drug from the eye by tear formation and other processes. Recently, researchers at University of Auburn filed a patent on the use of PLGA-PEG-PLGA thermogels (Polyvivo AK012, AK024, AK019) from PolySciTech (www.polyscitech.com) for a thermogel to aid in the delivery of voriconazole as part of ocular treatment of fungal diseases. This research holds promise to prevent this potentially blinding disease. Read more: Duran, Sue H., Allison Stewart, William R. Ravis, Eva Abarca-piedrafita, Rosemary Cuming, and Mariono MORA PEREIRA. "Sustained-release voriconazole-containing thermogel and uses thereof." U.S. Patent Application 16/117,443, filed February 28, 2019. https://patents.google.com/patent/US20190060312A1/en

“Abstract: The present disclosure provides veterinary formulations comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a voriconazole and a polymer. The disclosure also provides methods, and kits for the treatment of disease, such as for treating a fungal infection in an animal utilizing the veterinary formulations. The invention relates to veterinary formulations comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a voriconazole and a polymer. First, a sustained-release veterinary formulation comprising voriconazole has great potential to improve comfort and ultimate outcome for animals suffering from keratomycosis, especially horses. Second, such a formulation can provide a treatment which would be available to all affected animals, regardless of budget, as it could be administered in the field. Third, the formulation, given via subconjunctival injection, would negate the need for frequent topical application of voriconazole to animals. This would result in minimizing stress in patients and improving compliance by decreasing the volume, frequency, and cost of medication required for treatment. Fourth, utilization of thermogel polymers (e.g., thermosensitive biodegradable hydrogels or ‘thermogels’) can advantageously be administered as a liquid, followed by conversion to a gel deposit upon reaching the appropriate temperature. As a result, the thermogel polymers can maintain a sustained release of drug at the site of administration in the animal, for example over weeks to months. The sustained release of voriconazole to an animal suffering from keratomycosis would increase the local bioavailability of the medication, decrease systemic side effects, and improve client compliance.”

- Biotech, Pharma, Cancer, Research (BPCR) is a free, 1-day scientific networking conference happening in Purdue Research Park Aug 28, 2019. See more and register to attend at www.bpcrconference.com

- Check out PolySciTech’s new “Getting Started” guide to find initial product suggestions based on your application. You can see this here http://polyscitech.com/_start/