Researchers from the Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (IBN) of A*STAR have developed a hydrogel capable of delivering drugs to the body with long-term efficacy, which will ease the discomfort of patients suffering from chronic diseases such as Hepatitis C (Hep C).
As reported by Channel NewsAsia, IBN said in a press release yesterday that chronic Hep C patients have to undergo weekly injections of a protein drug called PEGylated interferon, which might cause discomfort and depression. But the new hydrogel takes these jabs away.
The gel works through a polymer compound called polyethylene glycol (PEG), which resembles “reservoirs” that are said to prevent premature leakage of the drugs and slow down the drug diffusion rate. Once the drugs are fully released, the hydrogels will harden and clog up the arteries. Just kidding - the gels will degrade naturally and be eliminated from the body.
According to principal research scientist and IBN team leader Dr Motoichi Kurisawa, the hydrogels can extend by up to 10 times the time taken for the Hep C drugs in the body to be reduced by half, which reduces the need for frequent injections. Unfortunately just like how the half-life of the drugs is significantly extended, it could take several years before the new drug hits the markets.
Photo: Institue of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology
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Researchers from the Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (IBN) of A*STAR have developed a hydrogel capable of delivering drugs to the body with long-term efficacy, which will ease the discomfort of patients suffering from chronic diseases such as Hepatitis C (Hep C).
As reported by Channel NewsAsia, IBN said in a press release yesterday that chronic Hep C patients have to undergo weekly injections of a protein drug called PEGylated interferon, which might cause discomfort and depression. But the new hydrogel takes these jabs away.
The gel works through a polymer compound called polyethylene glycol (PEG), which resembles “reservoirs” that are said to prevent premature leakage of the drugs and slow down the drug diffusion rate. Once the drugs are fully released, the hydrogels will harden and clog up the arteries. Just kidding - the gels will degrade naturally and be eliminated from the body.
According to principal research scientist and IBN team leader Dr Motoichi Kurisawa, the hydrogels can extend by up to 10 times the time taken for the Hep C drugs in the body to be reduced by half, which reduces the need for frequent injections. Unfortunately just like how the half-life of the drugs is significantly extended, it could take several years before the new drug hits the markets.
Photo: Institue of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology
Done reading? Sit back, relax and watch Coconuts TV:
brightcove.createExperiences();