Drug Delivery Overview

SurModics’ drug delivery solutions feature a broad set of state-of-the-art drug delivery microparticles, implants, and coatings. Our scientists and engineers manipulate our proprietary polymer systems to control drug delivery rates, provide sustained delivery (typically from weeks to months), and store and release a wide range of compounds from small hydrophobic molecules to large protein complexes.  These systems enable site-specific and systemic delivery of drugs, employing durable and biodegradable polymer technologies.

Our drug delivery technologies are utilized by many of the world’s leading medical device and pharmaceutical companies. SurModics' drug delivery offerings leverage the company's nearly 30-year history of know-how and expertise in surface modification. SurModics' drug delivery technologies serve as an enabling or bridging technology in the following areas:

      
  • Device/drug combinations where drug delivery capabilities augment the functionality of a medical device such as with drug-eluting vascular stents.
  • Drug/device combinations where the device serves merely as a vehicle for the site-specific delivery of drug to a desired anatomical site. For example, delivery of drugs to the posterior chamber of the eye where either systemic drug dosing is ineffectual or could cause serious side effects.
  • Drug/polymer combinations for delivery of therapeutic agents using microencapsulation or polymer implants in local or systemic applications.  Examples would include the systemic sustained delivery of a microencapsulated drug for diabetes, psychosis, or other disorders.
  • Implantable devices that incorporate drugs to improve biocompatibility and extend the functional life of the device. An example would be application of a drug delivery coating on pacemaker or defibrillator leads.
  • Encapsulated cell therapy, utilizing polymeric coatings to form semi-permeable barriers that encapsulate transplant cells, allowing them to deliver agents into the body while rendering them invisible to a patient’s immune system. For example, islet cell encapsulation for in situ insulin delivery for diabetes treatment.