BIP-UPY

Bioactive Implantable Polymers based on UreidoPyrimidinone

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'BIP-UPy addresses the need for biomedical implants which can be easily fine-tuned in their properties in regards to bioactivity, biodegradability, and mechanical performance, and thereby be optimized for their targeted clinical application. This project will develop a library comprising of a selection of synthetic polymers and specific bioactivities which can be used to provide the required properties for a targeted biomedical implant. The polymeric materials that will be addressed are supramolecular UPy-modified polymers for uses in urologic implants and embolic implants, benefitting large population groups: bio-degradable meshes with improved in-situ tissue regeneration in pelvic floor repair and endovascular embolic implants with a reduced aneurysm recurrence risk. A mix-and-match approach will be used to bioactivate these supramolecular base materials. The supramolecular nature of the materials allows for mild processing conditions. Main objective is to develop a methodology for obtaining implantable polymers with specifically designed bioactivity for in-situ Tissue Engineering, in which the medical implant is obtained in one step by co-processing of the peptide molecules with the neat polymeric material. Key deliverables are protocols for processable biocompatible UPy-based polymers synthesis and manufacturing scale-up; protocols for UPy-based polymers bioactivity tailoring; procedures for processing the UPy-based polymers preserving the bioactivity efficiency; sterilisation protocols for bioactive medical implants; bioactive implants prototypes with tailored bioactivities; material and implant biocompatibility and bioactivity tests data; new predictive in-vitro tests and drafts of regulatory docs. BIP-UPy consortium comprises 9 partners from 5 European countries: 3 RTD performing institutions and 2 Hospitals, 3 SMEs and 1 LE representing the strong industrial involvement. Forth SME (CHEMPILOTS-DK) has whithdrawn from project on 31/12/2014.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

Polymer-based implants have improved the quality of life for millions and reduced associated national health care costs. Research institutions together with companies and health institutions are now developing a pelvic floor implant and one to treat brain aneurysms to extend the current implant portfolio.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Polymers have become ubiquitous, and not only in food packaging and plastics for electronics. Biomedical implants are one of the most important markets for polymers. The total European market for polymers in medical devices is predicted to reach EUR 664.2 million by 2015, an indication of the huge impact on the economy and on public health.

Recognising the critical importance of polymeric medical devices, the EU is co-funding the four-year 'Bioactive implantable polymers based on ureidopyrimidinone' (http://www.bipupy.eu/ (BIP-UPY)) project. The powerful consortium consists of three RTD performing institutions, two hospitals, three small and medium-sized enterprises, and one large enterprise. Targeted applications are pelvic floor dysfunction affecting millions of women worldwide and intracranial aneurysm. Current treatments for these conditions have high rates of associated complications, risks and/or costs.

BIP-UPY consortium is developing a methodology to produce implants with tailored bioactivity from co-processing of the ureidopyrimidinone (UPy) polymers and the peptide molecules. Bioactivity needs to be carefully preserved not only during processing of the materials and implant manufacturing but also during sterilisation of the implant. Both the materials and the prototype implants are assessed for biocompatibility and bioactivity.

Within the first reporting period, the team synthesised different UPy-polymer combinations for each target application. With a focus on commercialisation, all protocols and equipment necessary for large-scale manufacturing have been established. A library of UPy-peptides will assist in assessing bioactivity.

Conceptual designs have been established along with mechanical testing procedures and the first steps towards design verification have been taken. The activities in this regard have supported the delivery of initial prototypes of pelvic floor implant and aneurysm implant.

In addition, the team has begun assessing biocompatibility of the new UPy-polymers both in vitro and in vivo in order to have an initial assessment of the real biomechanical behaviour of the first implants manufactured.

BIP-UPY is paving the way to novel biodegradable implants with tailored bioactivities and excellent mechanical performance to address important medical conditions. Currently available treatments are associated with complications and high risk, so the new technologies will provide welcome relief to patients while reducing the burden on health care systems.