The supplement will support in vivo imaging studies of its hydrogels as potential drug carriers for treatment of inner ear disorders.
The objectives of the study are to first determine the residence times and biodegradation rates of the company’s Tetra-PEG hydrogel drug delivery system in the middle ear.
Once these parameters are established, drugs or drug surrogates will be attached to the hydrogels via ProLynx’s b-eliminative linkers, and drug release rates in the middle ear will be determined. Finally, drug-releasing hydrogels will be tested for efficacy in delivering therapeutics to the inner ear.
ProLynx co-founder and president Daniel Santi said: "We fully expect our hydrogel drug delivery system to be successful in extended delivery of drugs to the middle and inner ear.
"The application is a variation of the technology platform that has been successful in other areas, and this funding will support obtaining proof of concept for this new use."
