Injectable hyaluronic acid derivative with pharmaceuticals/cells

Patent Number: 7,157,080

This patent covers specific types of hyaluronic acid derivatives that are useful for administering cells into a soft tissue that is injured. Specifically, the patent is useful for treatment of intra-articular injuries by providing a means to administer cells so that the cells will be able to take the particular in vivo shape that is unique to the patient being treated.

The patent has 2 independent claims.

The first is a method of treatment claim, which provides at least one type of hyaluronic acid derivative together with a substance or cell, which when administered is therapeutic for soft tissue. The claim covers two specific types of hyaluronic acid derivatives. The first being benzyl ester hyaluronic acid with 50-75% of the carboxy groups esterified with a benzyl radical. The second covers auto-cross-linked derivatives of hyaluronic acid wherein 3-15% of the carboxyl groups of hyaluronic acid are cross-linked to the hydroxyl group of the same or different hyaluronic acid molecule.

Claims dependent on the first independent claim provide concentrations of carboxy groups on the benzyl ester, as well as various types of cells that may be administered therapeutically.

The second independent claim covers a treatment method for articular injuries, essentially through the same procedures thought in the first independent claim.

This patent is useful as a cell therapy administration platform since it overcomes obstacles associated with administration of solid delivery platforms, as well as delivery in liquid media. Specifically, the inventors state that dispersing cells in the gel-state of the hyaluronic acid composition disclosed allows for higher cell survival, as opposed to when cells are administered through liquid medium.

The examples are limited to generation of the various hyaluronic acid compositions in terms of providing concrete data. Prophetic examples in the patent include the use of the invention for treatment of autoimmune diseases, bone fractures, and skin malformations.

View this patent on the USPTO website.