Drug-embedded Microparticles Bolster Heart Function In Animal Studies
Tuesday, October 21, 2008 - 14:49
in Health & Medicine
Tiny polymer beads embedded with anti-inflammatory drugs can reduce damage to the heart when injected into rats' hearts after a simulated heart attack. The beads (average size: 1/50 of a millimeter wide) are made of a "polyketal" material that breaks down over a few weeks in the body. Because polyketals are less inherently inflammatory than other biodegradable polymers, they could be used to treat several inflammatory diseases.