This technology features a dual-component drug delivery system combining polymer-based microspheres and a thermoresponsive hydrogel for localized middle ear treatment. The microspheres, crafted using a double emulsion approach with PLGA, encapsulate ciprofloxacin and average approximately 10 μm in diameter with a poreless structure confirmed by SEM. They provide a consistent, controlled release of antibiotics over 14 days. Meanwhile, the hydrogel—synthesized from N-isopropylacrylamide and PEG—remains liquid at room temperature for easy administration and transitions to a gel state at body temperature, ensuring secure positioning in the ear canal. Additionally, lidocaine is integrated into the hydrogel to deliver local analgesia.
Description
What differentiates this technology is its targeted, sustained delivery approach, which minimizes systemic side effects and optimizes therapeutic efficiency. The single-dose administration simplifies treatment, improving patient compliance, particularly in pediatric applications. The combined use of microspheres and thermoresponsive hydrogel ensures localized, prolonged drug exposure while reducing overall drug quantities and manufacturing costs. Furthermore, the easily removable, non-degradable hydrogel facilitates post-treatment clearance, distinguishing this system from more invasive or less controlled alternatives.
Applications
- Otitis media localized therapy
- Controlled antibiotic release system
Thermoresponsive drug delivery
- Pediatric ear drop treatment
Advantages
- Targeted, local delivery minimizes systemic side effects and reduces the risk of antibiotic resistance.
- Controlled, sustained release of ciprofloxacin over 14 days ensures consistent therapeutic levels.
- Thermoresponsive hydrogel facilitates easy administration and secure retention in the ear canal.
- Dual drug delivery provides both effective antibiotic treatment and immediate local analgesia with lidocaine.
- Single-dose application improves patient compliance, particularly for pediatric patients, while reducing manufacturing costs.
- Non-degradable hydrogel design allows for easy removal via irrigation after treatment completion.
IP Status
https://patents.google.com/patent/US20230000802A1
